With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .15, how does your risk of crashing compare to the legal limit?

Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .15 significantly increases your risk of crashing compared to the legal limit. At a BAC of .05, which is often the legal limit in many jurisdictions, the effects of alcohol begin to impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times. As the BAC rises, particularly to .15, these impairments become much more pronounced.

At .15, the driver experiences severe impairments in motor skills and cognitive functions. This results in a drastically increased likelihood of being involved in a crash. Research indicates that drivers with a BAC of .15 are at least 10 times more likely to be involved in a serious accident than those with a BAC of .05. This increased risk is due to diminished ability to make quick decisions, slowed reflexes, and a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors while driving.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between higher BAC levels and crash risk. Stating the risk is the same or only slightly higher fails to recognize the substantial evidence that illustrates the dangers associated with elevated levels of alcohol intake. Additionally, claiming there is no risk if one is a careful driver ignores the physiological effects of alcohol on driving performance, which can impair even the most cautious drivers.