If you get pulled over because law enforcement thinks you may be intoxicated, you will typically be asked to take a test that measures your blood alcohol content. BAC levels are important in Florida because they determine if you are driving while under the influence and play into the penalties you could face if found guilty. However, BAC is hard to determine. You may feel fine but be over the legal limit. This is because, as the University of Notre Dame explains, your BAC is affected by a variety of factors.
For example, if you have eaten a big meal before drinking, your BAC levels will be kept lower. This means you can drink more alcohol before your BAC rises than someone who has an empty stomach. Another factor is if you are taking medications. Some medication can enhance the effects of alcohol and raise your BAC.
How you consume alcohol also impacts your BAC. The more alcohol in a drink, the more your BAC is impacted. The amount of alcohol you drink in a certain time period also affects the alcohol levels in your blood.
How you feel can also play a role. For example, if you are sick, your BAC is likely to rise faster with less alcohol consumption, especially if you are dehydrated. Being tired can also cause a higher than usual BAC.
Finally, whether you are male or female will determine your BAC after drinking. Males can usually consume more alcohol than females with a lower effect on BAC. Men just tend to metabolize, meaning their bodies use up the alcohol, faster than women. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
