Drunk driving is a tragically common issue in Georgia and across the country. Every year, thousands of Americans are killed as a result of drunk driving. Our firm is committed to pursuing compensation if you’ve been hurt as a result of someone else’s bad choices.
But our Atlanta car accident lawyers also understand that many of these bad choices are also understandable choices. Many people don’t know how easy it is to qualify as legally drunk, and they also don’t know how much danger they put everyone in when they drive while drunk.
If you’re over the age of 21 and you’re driving a personal vehicle, the blood alcohol level (BAL) for intoxication is .08 (it is .04 if you’re driving a commercial vehicle and .02 if you’re under 21). How much alcohol it requires to reach .08 depends on many factors, including your:
- Height
- Weight
- Age
- Gender
- Genetic pre-disposition
Let’s say you’re a 200-pound man and you’ve been at a party for two hours. You’ve had three beers and one shot of tequila. According to this BAL calculator from the University of Notre Dame, you’re already at a BAL of .071, which means you’re right on the legal line.
Remember- “buzzed” driving is drunk driving. If you drive with a BAL over the legal limit, you are committing a felony, even if you feel fine. Put simply, if there is any doubt in your mind, assume that you are over the limit and do not drive.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident in the Atlanta, Georgia area and you need an experienced car accident lawyer, please call Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC today at 404-760-7400 for a free consultation.