Which of the following statements is true about BAC (blood alcohol content)?
Answers
The breathalyzer is a test to determine a person’s BAC.
A chemical test for BAC is needed for an alcohol conviction.
BAC levels are reduced by a person’s physical fitness.
After drinking, coffee or a cold shower will lower your BAC.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer:
The breathalyzer is a test to determine a person’s BAC.
Explanation:
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) measures the concentration of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. It reflects the amount of alcohol in the body and its impact on physical and cognitive abilities. Among the options provided, the statement that “The breathalyzer is a test to determine a person’s BAC” is correct.
Understanding BAC Measurement
Breathalyzers are widely used devices to estimate BAC levels by analyzing the alcohol content in a person’s breath. When a person exhales, a breathalyzer measures alcohol molecules and calculates an approximate BAC. Although not as precise as blood tests, breathalyzers are quick, non-invasive, and effective for roadside testing.
Why Other Statements Are Incorrect
- “A chemical test for BAC is needed for an alcohol conviction”:
While a chemical test like a breath, blood, or urine test may provide critical evidence in DUI cases, an alcohol conviction can also be based on observations of impaired driving. However, BAC tests are the most definitive indicators. - “BAC levels are reduced by a person’s physical fitness”:
Physical fitness does not influence the metabolism of alcohol. BAC primarily depends on factors like body weight, sex, drinking speed, and alcohol tolerance. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a consistent rate, unaffected by fitness levels. - “After drinking, coffee or a cold shower will lower your BAC”:
This is a common myth. Neither coffee nor a cold shower speeds up the metabolism of alcohol. BAC decreases over time as the liver processes alcohol, typically at a rate of about 0.015% per hour.
Summary
Breathalyzers play a vital role in determining BAC quickly and reliably, making them essential tools for law enforcement and safety. Misconceptions about fitness or remedies like coffee highlight the importance of understanding how alcohol affects the body.