Why is the alcohol cut-off level .04 BAC when the standard for driving is .08 BAC?
The percentage of blood alcohol content (BAC) is a quantitative measure of the grams of alcohol present per millilitre of blood, in other words, the weight of alcohol with respect to volume of blood. The scientific community has concluded that even the lowest levels of blood alcohol content can result in a decline in the body’s ability to perform to its full potential. For most adults, alcohol presence up to .04% BAC will result in a reduction in sensory and cognitive performance. In addition, at .04% BAC, virtually all individuals experience decreased cognitive abilities resulting in impacts on perception, visual field, tracking, information processing and performance of multiple tasks. At higher levels, cognitive skills can be seriously impaired, and coordination, balance and vision are visibly impaired for most individuals. Although the current standard for impaired driving is .08% BAC at which point a charge under the Criminal Code is issued, drivers can be charged for impaired dri
