Monitoring Your BAC

In Ohio, like in every state, the legal blood alcohol percentage legal limit is 0.08%. Everyone knows that they shouldn’t drink and drive. Many people think they have a system figured out to get right under the limit and still be able to drive. They think they know when to stop drinking and switch to water, how long to wait to drive, and how to beat the system. However, the truth is that several factors go into what a person’s BAC is. Some of the various components that determine your BAC may include whether you’re on medicine, the type of alcohol consumed, and your overall health. It is even said that a person’s emotional state and a sudden change in moods can affect their BAC.

Here are some possible ways to monitor your BAC. It is important to remember that none of these ways are perfect and the only fool-proof way is to not drink if you are going to be driving. The first way is to use common sense. If you have had too much to drink, do not drive. These days there are so many alternate modes of transportation that can be utilized instead of taking the risk. Having a friend drive, public transportation, Uber or Lyft, or even walking are all better ideas than driving under the influence. Another method is to either not consume more than one alcoholic drink per hour. This is related to the method of alternating between alcoholic drinks and a glass of water. The last couple techniques should not have as much faith put into but can still provide guidance. BAC charts are a way to track your BAC but these can often be inaccurate depending on a person’s body type and health. Another source would be a portable breathalyzer. Again, these can be inaccurate depending on if it’s calibrated properly and where it was purchased.

These are not ways to beat the system. These are facts to help you make an educated decision. You can still be pulled over and charged with a DUI if you are under the 0.08% limit. The only fail-safe way is to not drink and drive in the first place. Contact an attorney at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder if you have been charged with a DUI.