In 2021, two-thirds of drunk-driving crashes involved a driver who had a Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC, of .15 g/dL or higher. A BAC of .08 or higher is considered drunk driving in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, except in Utah where the BAC limit is .05.
Drive Sober This Labor Day, and Every Day
During the Labor Day holiday period, we typically see an increase in drunk-driving deaths — and that’s why you’ll likely see more law enforcement on the roads. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which runs from August 16-September 4, aims to educate people about the dangers and consequences of driving drunk.
The Effects of Alcohol on Driving
Just one drink before driving can put you and others in danger, because alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination.
| BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION | PREDICTABLE EFFECTS ON DRIVING |
|---|---|
| .02 | Decline in visual functions, decline in ability to perform two tasks at the same time |
| .05 | Reduced coordination, reduced ability to track moving objects, difficulty steering, reduced response to emergency driving situations |
| .08 | Reduced concentration, short-term memory loss, lack of speed control, reduced information processing capability, impaired perception |
| .10 | Reduced ability to maintain lane position and brake appropriately |
| .15 | Substantial impairment in vehicle control, attention to driving task, and in necessary visual and auditory information processing |
