6 Beers in 4 Hours: Understanding Your BAC and DUI Risks

by | Mar 10, 2023 | Traffic School

It’s no secret that drinking and driving don’t mix. Even a few drinks can impair your ability to drive safely and increase your risk of getting a DUI. But how do you know when you’ve had too much to drink? Understanding your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can help you make responsible choices when it comes to drinking and driving. In this article, we’ll look at how many beers it takes to reach a certain BAC level and the DUI risks associated with different BAC levels.

How many beers does it take to reach a certain BAC level?

The number of beers it takes to reach a certain BAC level varies depending on several factors, including your weight, gender, and how quickly you drink. As a general rule, it takes about two drinks to reach a BAC of .02 and four drinks to reach a BAC of .08, which is the legal standard for driving in most states. However, this can vary significantly from person to person.
For example, if you weigh 120 pounds and drink six beers in four hours, your BAC will be around .11, which is well above the legal threshold. On the other hand, if you weigh 180 pounds and drink six beers in four hours, your BAC will be around .06, which is below the legal limit.

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DUI risks at different BAC levels

Driving with a BAC at or above .08 is illegal in most states and can result in a DUI charge. However, even a BAC below .08 can impair your ability to drive safely and increase your risk of getting into an accident.

Here’s a breakdown of the DUI risks at different BAC levels:

BAC of .02-.03: Mild euphoria and decreased inhibitions. Some loss of judgment and slight impairment of coordination and balance.
BAC of .04-.06: Increased impairment of judgment, memory, and concentration. Decreased alertness and reaction time.
BAC of .07-.09: Significant impairment of reaction time, coordination, and judgment. Decreased ability to control a vehicle and respond to emergency situations.
BAC of .10-.12: Extreme impairment of motor control, balance, and judgment. Slurred speech, blurred vision, and impaired coordination.
BAC of .13-.15: Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Difficulty standing or walking. Vomiting and loss of bladder control are possible.

Conclusion

Drinking and driving is a serious risk that can have deadly consequences. Understanding your BAC and the risks associated with different BAC levels can help you make responsible choices when it comes to drinking and driving. If you plan to drink, it’s important to have a designated driver or alternative transportation arranged ahead of time. Remember, it’s not worth the risk to get behind the wheel after even a few drinks.

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