Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is most commonly used as a metric of alcohol intoxication for legal or medical purposes.
| BAC % |
Typical Effects |
Typical Effects on Driving |
|
0.02 - 0.039%
|
Some loss of judgment, relaxation, altered mood, loss of shyness
|
Decline in visual functions (tracking moving target), decline in ability to perform two tasks at the same time (divided attention)
|
|
0.04 - 0.059%
|
Relaxed, lower inhibitions, mildly euphoric, sociable, talkative, some impairment of judgment and memory
|
Judgment, attention, and control somewhat impaired. Sensory-motor and finer performance are impaired. Less able to make rational decisions about capabilities. Federal Aviation Administration – legally impaired at 0.04% BAC. May not consume alcohol within 8 hours of flight.
|
|
0.06 - 0.099%
|
Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Euphoria, reduced judgment and self-control. Impaired reasoning and memory
|
.08% legally intoxicated in Washington.
Muscle coordination and driving skills impaired. Impaired perception. Information processing reduced
|
|
0.10 - 0.129%
|
Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, peripheral vision, reaction time, and hearing will be impaired.
|
Reduced ability to maintain lane position and brake appropriately
|
|
0.13 - 0.159%
|
Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Vomiting may occur.
|
Substantial impairment in vehicle control, attention to driving and in necessary visual and auditory information processing. Slower glare recovery.
|
|
0.16 - 0.199%
|
Appearance of sloppy drunk, nausea
|
Impaired vision, limited ability to see detail, and peripheral vision
|
|
0.20 – 0.249%
|
Needs assistance walking, total mental confusion, vomiting, possible blackout and exaggerated emotional state
|
Vision disturbed as is perception of color, form, motion and dimensions
|
|
0.25 - 0.300%
|
General inertia, near total loss of motor functions, little response to stimuli, unable to stand or walk, vomiting, and incontinence. May lose unconsciousness or fall into a stupor.
|
Unable to drive
|
|
0.30 - 0.500%
|
Alcohol poisoning and loss of consciousness. Depressed or absent reflexes, subnormal body temperature, incontinence and impairment of circulation and respiration.
Onset of coma, possible death from respiratory arrest.
|
Unable to drive
|
|
|
DEATH MAY OCCUR AT 0.37% OR HIGHER.
BAC’S OF 0.45% AND HIGHER ARE FATAL TO NEARLY ALL PEOPLE
|
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Signs of alcohol poisoning
If you or a friend see any of the following signs get help by calling 9-1-1 immediately
- Person cannot be awakened
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin
- Vomiting
- Seizures
Washington State has a medical amnesty law for alcohol and drugs that allows underage users to call for help without fearing prosecution. The law is meant to encourage minors to call 9-1-1, if needed during a medical emergency.
- Do not wait for all signs to be present – only one sign may indicate alcohol poisoning
- Turn the person to his or her side to avoid choking
- Stay with the person until help arrives