Before becoming completely intoxicated, most people have a feeling known as being “buzzed.” This is when a person can slightly feel the sensation of alcohol but is still mostly in charge of his or her motor functions.
In an effort to lower the number of DUI arrests that take place every year in Colorado, it is vital to inform the public of what truly constitutes drunk driving.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, over 26,000 drivers are arrested every year for driving under the influence. Many assume they are fine to drive if they are only buzzed, but that can be misleading.
At The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm, our drunk driving accident attorneys understand the specifics behind the rules of the road in Colorado. If you need a personal injury attorney, car accident attorney, or have been impacted by drunk driving, Call Paul today to reinforce your case with the best legal help in Colorado.
Colorado has stricter laws
In Colorado, motorists can be charged if they are caught driving with a blood alcohol content percentage of 0.05. This qualifies as a DWAI, which stands for “driving while ability impaired.” A BAC of 0.08 still constitutes as a DUI. However, this all means that driving with a BAC of 0.05 could still land a person in jail.
It does not take much to reach 0.05
For some people, it may only take one drink to hit 0.05. First, it is important to understand what exactly is considered to be one drink. Most standards hold that one drink equals 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, which for these purposes is anything that is 80 proof.
For a woman who weighs 100 pounds, one drink can result in a BAC of 0.05 right off the bat. Men have a slightly different scale since their bodies tend to process alcohol differently. For example, a 100-pound man who had one drink would get a BAC of 0.04. Those interested can consult with the graphs provided by Business Insider.
Another component is how often drinks were consumed. A person who had two drinks in 60 minutes as opposed to one alcoholic beverage would have an even greater BAC. Therefore, even if a person is only feeling buzzed, it is still advisable to not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Conclusion
Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Rather than risk getting behind the wheel after a couple drinks, it’s best to avoid this practice altogether. At The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm, our legal experts are in your corner. We can provide you with legal advice and counsel, and represent you in the event you need a personal injury or car accident attorney.
To learn more about our extensive list of legal services, contact us today by scheduling a free consultation or calling 303-333-7285. Legal help is a just phone call away when you Call Paul.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm is a team of personal injury attorneys in Denver, CO serving victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents. Each of our lawyers is licensed with the Colorado State Bar (CBA) and specialize in injury law.
We've recovered tens of millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients. For 13+ years we've helped thousands of people get back on their feet after experiencing serious injuries. We will take your case to trial and get the maximum settlement possible.
