Author: Bob Stewart
If someone is in physical control of a motor vehicle, and is also under the influence of alcohol, this is called DUI or Driving Under the Influence. When a driver is DUI, this can be deadly because their ability to drive is impaired.
California is one state with strict DUI laws. You cannot drive under the influence in this state. It is illegal to drive a car, pilot a boat, or pilot a plane if you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. In fact, because of the extreme nature of the safety concerns when someone is flying a plane, there are very strict piloting laws on the books.
When you are sober, you can do two things at once – like steering and braking – at the same time. If you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% this ability is impaired. At BAC of 0.08% you have so much impairment you’re no longer safe to drive.
That is why California instituted a law in 1990 that makes it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or more. If you are in California, and you are found to have driven with a BAC of this much or more, you will be arrested and charged with DUI.
California is not the only state to establish this rule. Additionally, in these states the law enforcement personnel are specially trained to be able to spot and assess drivers who may be impaired.
Officers manage this by conducting what are called field sobriety tests (FST). These tests can measure a person’s agility and reflexes, and thus estimate their ability to drive safely. You can’t tell what a BAC is by FST, however.
To accurately test BAC, you need to conduct a chemical test. The most accurate way is via blood or urine sample, although measuring alcohol in the breath will also work. The breath measurement tool is the most widely known, and is called the Breathalyzer.
Laws against DUI have saved many lives. Since the 0.08% BAC law, there have been far fewer DUI related traffic fatalities.
This author also frequently gives advice regarding topics like Watt generator head and soap dispenser.
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