Even though the legal limit is 0.08, the effects of alcohol can begin with a BAC of just 0.02 percent. Here are just a few examples of how alcohol affects the body and one’s ability to drive:
Judgment - Alcohol affects the part of the brain that controls judgment. When the brain needs to call on memories and experiences stored there—and do so quickly when faced with a problem—alcohol interferes and blocks or impairs a driver’s judgment.
Vision - The ability to see clearly is necessary to drive. Alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to focus, blur their vision, and cause double vision. The negative effect of alcohol on a driver’s vision can begin at a BAC of just 0.02 percent.
Reaction time - Alcohol hinders the ability to process information. It can leave a driver feeling drowsy and unable to react in time to avoid a collision.
Colors - Important road signs, highway markers, and traffic signals rely on colors to signify when it is safe to turn, go, or stop. Alcohol makes it difficult to distinguish colors. This places other drivers at risk for a drunk driver who fails to yield or who runs a red light.