In New Mexico and throughout the United States, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) higher than .08%. However, even a single drink can impair a person’s ability to drive a car or truck safely. Those who have a .02% BAC can expect to feel slightly warmer and more relaxed. They may also have a harder time tracking objects or focus on more than one thing at a time.
At .08%, an individual has trouble concentrating and an impaired ability to process events that are taking place. A driver might also experience a lack of self-control as well as a lowered ability to comprehend the potential danger of his or her actions. When a person’s BAC hits .10%, that individual has a harder time maintaining a lane or braking properly. A driver could also experience a significant lapse in reaction time.
If a driver’s BAC hits .15%, that person might be vulnerable to vomiting or other attempts by the body to get rid of the toxins inside of it. Those who attempt to drive at this point could lack the ability to properly see or hear what is going on around them. It could also be impossible to focus on the task of driving or maintain any semblance of control over a vehicle.
A driver who is charged with DUI might face a variety of consequences such as spending a night in jail or paying a fine. If a person is convicted of a charge, he or she may spend more time in jail or be subject to a driver’s license suspension. An attorney might cast doubt on evidence used to conclude a person was impaired while driving. This may enable an individual to obtain an acquittal or plea deal.
