Opinion ID: 2203135
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Heading: Is Evidence of Blood Alcohol Content Admissible Under These Circumstances?

Text: Neither Kriner nor Sentz, supra, consider whether blood alcohol content of a party should be admissible under the circumstances. The sole statutory provision concerning blood alcohol content is in 75 Pa.C.S. § 1547, relating to criminal prosecution for driving under the influence. However, in related contexts, civil cases pursuant to the Dram Shop Act, 47 P.S. § 4-493(1), where a party was allegedly served alcohol while visibly intoxicated, and, civil motor vehicle cases where the driver of a motor vehicle was allegedly intoxicated, our courts have addressed this issue. We have permitted evidence of blood alcohol content in civil cases where visible intoxication or recklessness or carelessness of a driver is sought to be proved. Couts v. Ghion, 281 Pa.Super. 135, 421 A.2d 1184 (1980) (Spaeth, J. concurring in the result, Van der Voort, J. dissenting); Cusatis v. Reichert, 267 Pa.Super. 247, 406 A.2d 787 (1979); Schwarzbach v. Dunn, 252 Pa.Super. 454, 381 A.2d 1295 (1977) (blood alcohol content generally admissible, but not when given three hours after accident). Cf. Billow v. Farmers Trust Co., 438 Pa. 514, 266 A.2d 92 (1970) (breathalyzer result was sole evidence of alleged intoxication and therefore inadmissible). Likewise, we have recently permitted such evidence in a case where the issue was whether a visibly intoxicated person was served intoxicating beverages. Suskey v. Moose Lodge No. 86, 325 Pa.Super. 94, 472 A.2d 663 (1984). It should be noted that in cases involving civil suits, that is, service to a visibly intoxicated person and unfitness to operate a motor vehicle, evidence of alcohol consumption may be admitted only if there is evidence of the conduct of the party which fairly suggests that he was intoxicated. However, we are careful to underscore that only in criminal prosecutions under the Motor Vehicle Code has the presumption of intoxication under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1547(d)(3) been permissibly charged to the jury. The theory behind allowing a blood alcohol level to be admitted into evidence in a civil case is that it is relevant circumstantial evidence relating to intoxication. However, blood alcohol level alone may not be admitted for the purpose of proving intoxication. There must be other evidence showing the actor's conduct which suggests intoxication. Only then, and if other safeguards are present, may a blood alcohol level be admitted. Cusatis v. Reichert, supra ; Couts v. Ghion, supra (test must be given within a reasonable time after accident); Schwarzbach v. Dunn, supra (test results, where test given three hours after accident, may not be extrapolated by expert who will testify as to probable blood alcohol level at time of accident). Under the circumstances of this case and based upon existing authority, where there was independent evidence of intoxication, we believe that appellant's blood alcohol content was relevant circumstantial evidence relating to his alleged intoxication. The evidence as to Ackerman's alcohol consumption, his demeanor and appearance would, under these cases, appear to be sufficient to present the issue of intoxication for jury consideration of whether or not he was so influenced by alcohol to be a hazard. Under prior authority, Sentz, supra, and Kriner, supra, in which allegedly intoxicated pedestrians were involved, we believe that evidence of intoxication and blood alcohol content are relevant and admissible when it shows a pedestrian's unfitness in crossing the street. See also Cook v. Philadelphia Transportation Co., 414 Pa. 154, 199 A.2d 446 (1964). However, in determining that the admission of blood alcohol level was proper, we would nonetheless underscore the concern of this Court in Suskey v. Moose Lodge No. 86, 325 Pa.Super. 94, 472 A.2d 663 (1984), of admitting into evidence a blood alcohol level without explanatory expert testimony in a civil case. Although the admission of the blood alcohol content has been condoned by this court in both Dram Shop Act cases and civil motor vehicle cases where there is a fair inference of intoxication already established, and we felt compelled to follow these precedents in Suskey as well as presently, we remain skeptical as to the value of this evidence to the jury. Without explanation, the blood alcohol content has little meaning to factfinders and quite possibly great potential for resulting prejudice to the party against whom it is used. However, for the above reasons, we find that the court below did not err in allowing the introduction of evidence, including appellant's blood alcohol level, on the issue of intoxication of appellant.