Specific Effects of BAC in oneself
- 0.02-0.039 – No loss of coordination, loss of shyness, relaxed by not depressed
- 0.04-0.059 – Feeling quite relaxed, lowered inhibitions, warmth, slight euphoria, minor impairment.
- 0.06-0.990 – Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision and reaction time. Euphoria.
- 0.10-0.129 – Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of judgement. Slurred speech.
- 0.13-0.159 – Gross motor skill impairment and lack of control. Blurred vision. Euphoria is coming down and now going into state of feeling unwell.
- 0.16-0.199 – Dysphoria and nausea begins to appear. Sloppiness is apparent.
- 0.20-0.249 – Needs assistance walking and signs of mental confusion. Vomitting and blackout possible.
- 0.25-0.399 – Alcohol poisoning and loss of consciousness.
- 0.40 – higher – Onset of coma and possible death due to respiratory arrest.
This law that was passed in 2017 by governor Gary Herbert will probably increase the likelihood of other states doing the same. We have gone to long with drunk driving and other alcohol related deaths taking headlines. According to the NHTSA, the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility reported in 2017 there were 10,974 people were killed in alcohol related accidents.
We have made a lot of headway in these issues with a 45% decrease in driver fatalities per 100,000 population over the past decade, but in our day an age with uber, lyft, taxis and just better understanding of the problem. These deaths should just not happen. I applaud Utah in taking this stance. They pass the law and gave it time to take effect and they join the more than 100 other countries that have this stance. Utah makes it a third degree felony and I would be watching out that other states take the same approach.