Question

Legally, you are considered to be driving under the influence if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is

A) .06% or higher.
B) .08% or higher.
C) .10% or higher.
D) .12% or higher.

Answer 1

Legally, a person is considered to be driving under the influence with a BAC of .08% or higher in most U.S. states.

The Breathalyzer is used to estimate BAC levels, with the average liver metabolizing alcohol at a specific rate that does not influence the legal threshold.

Step-by-step explanation:

Legally, in most U.S. states, you are considered to be driving under the influence if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. The legal limit is set to this level because higher BACs significantly impair cognitive functions and motor skills, which are necessary for operating a vehicle safely.

The Breathalyzer, a device that measures the concentration of ethanol in one's breath and thereby estimates BAC, is used by law enforcement to test drivers for alcohol intoxication.

Note that the rate at which alcohol is metabolized can vary among individuals. On average, the liver metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour, but factors such as gender, body mass, and overall health can influence this rate. Regardless of personal metabolism rate, the legal threshold remains the same: a BAC of 0.08%.