BAC www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Affect on Motor Skills At .020 light to moderate drinkers begin to feel some effects. At .040 most people begin to feel relaxed. At .060 judgment is somewhat impaired, people are less able to make rational decisions about their capabilities (eg. driving). At .080 there is a definite impairment of muscle coordination and driving skills; this is legal level for intoxication in some states. At .10 there is a clear deterioration of reaction time and control; this is legally drunk in most states. At .120 vomiting usually occurs. Unless this level is reached slowly or a person has developed a tolerance to alcohol. At .150 balance and movement are impaired. This blood-alcohol level means the equivalent of 1/2 pint of whiskey is circulating in the blood stream. At .300 many people lose consciousness. At .400 most people lose consciousness; some die. At .450 breathing stops; this is a fatal dose for most people Fight the Stigma of Alcohol April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. Talk with your kids about the risk. Approximately 22% of 8th graders, 41% of 10th graders, and 50% of 12th graders report having consumed alcohol during the past month. About 8% of 8th, 23% of 10th, and 32% of 12th graders report having been drunk during the past month. About 14% of 8th, 26% of 10th, and 30% of 12th graders report binge drinking during the past two weeks. Alcohol is frequently a factor in the three leading causes of death (motor vehicle crashes, homicides, and suicides) for 15 to 24 year olds. Source: www.ncadd.org/programs/awareness/alcfacts02.html Think about it! ©2007-2023, www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/brookings/bac.html 070418