When a person makes the decision to begin consuming alcohol, it is important that they are aware of the stages of intoxication that may occur as a result. As these stages progress, it becomes very difficult to operate a vehicle or even walk properly. Therefore, it is important for people to drink responsibly. These stages of alcohol consumption are as follows, and are rounded figures:
1) Subclinical (B.A.C 0.01-0.05): Here there is no apparent influence and behavior is nearly normal by ordinary observation. A person’s sight begins to change slightly, but this is only detectable by special tests.
2) Euphoria (B.A.C 0.03-0.12): At the lower levels here, there is a mild euphoria, increased sociability, talkativeness; and as the stages progress, decreased inhibitions, diminution of attention, judgement and control. At the higher levels here, a person’s information process is slowed, and there is a loss of proficiency in finer performance tests. This is when a person begins to get intoxicated and should not be operating a motor vehicle.
3) Excitement (B.A.C 0.09-o.25): As alcohol impairment increases, emotional instability, loss of critical judgment, decreased sensitory response, reduced visual acuity, peripheral vision, drowsiness, and impaired balance.
4) Confusion (B.A.C 0.18-0.30): Disorientation, mental confusion, disturbances of vision, increased pain threshold, slurred speech, apathy and lethargia are symptoms of a person’s confusion from alcohol impairment. Charges begin to increase exponentially as drivers get behind of the wheel of a car in this state.
5) Stupor (B.A.C 0.25-0.40): Approaching loss of motor functions, decreased response to stimuli, marked muscular incoordination, inability tero stand or walk, vomiting, incontinence, sleep or stupor.
6) Coma (B.A.C 0.35-0.50)
The problem here is that with extreme intoxication comes decreased inhibitions which cause people to be more likely to get behind the wheel of a car. If you or a loved one has made the decision to get behind the wheel of an automobile while intoxicated, call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. We have attorneys knowlegable in the inner-workings of DUI law, who are here to help you. Call our Fort Mill, SC office at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-5999.