Final answer:
In the US, you can be arrested for DWI with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. BAC levels are commonly measured with a breathalyzer test. It takes about five hours to metabolize alcohol to reach sobriety from the legal limit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol varies by country, but in the United States, a person can be arrested for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Alcohol intoxication begins with lower concentrations and as BAC increases, a person experiences more intense effects, which adversely affect driving ability. The BAC is measured using a breathalyzer test which estimates the level of alcohol in the blood. Keep in mind that factors such as metabolism rates, body weight, and alcohol tolerance can influence how quickly alcohol is processed by the body.
The only effective way to avoid alcohol toxicity and lower BAC is to allow time for the liver to metabolize the alcohol fully. The average alcohol breakdown rate in the human body is approximately 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour, and considering this, it can take at least five hours for a person with a BAC of 0.08% to achieve sobriety.
The immediate effects of alcohol vary from person to person based on numerous factors, but driving with a BAC of 0.08% or above is illegal in the US and poses significant risks to the safety and well-being of the driver and others on the road. Therefore, it is crucial to plan accordingly and ensure one's BAC is below the legal limit before operating a vehicle.