blood. As the alveolar air is exhaled, the alcohol in it can
be detected by the breath alcohol testing device.The alcohol
concentration in the breath is related to that in the blood, and
because of this, an individual’s BAC can be determined by
measuring alcohol in the breath. The ratio of breath alcohol to
blood alcohol is generally estimated to be 2,100:1. Therefore,
2,100 milliliters (ml) of alveolar air will contain approximately
the same amount of alcohol as 1 ml of blood.
Alcohol is a Drug
Alcohol is the chemical (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) resulting
from the fermentation of grapes or grain. Alcohol is absorbed
directly into your bloodstream. From your bloodstream, the
fluids in your body tissues absorb the alcohol. Your brain is
made up of a large concentration of fluids and will absorb a
large amount of any alcohol you drink. Your liver eliminates
the absorbed alcohol at its own rate of time and nothing you
eat or drink can speed up the process. Your liver does this
by oxidizing the alcohol (converting it into water and carbon
dioxide). Coffee, food or any other “cure” will not sober you
up. Only time will do that.
How does alcohol affect my body?
Alcohol is a depressant. It has a relaxing effect on the
muscles in your body. The muscles of your eyes relax and
lose focus. Your eyesight will become fuzzy and you may
experience double vision. Brain activity is slowed. Your
judgment, reflexes, and coordination are all negatively
affected.Some vision impairments that occur when you have
been drinking include:
• Narrowing of your eld of vision
• Reduction in your depth perception
• Decreased ability to see in darkness
• Increased sensitivity to glare and a longer time
for your eyes to readjust from the glare
Some mental (brain) impairment can occur when you have
been drinking, including:
• Reduced awareness of danger
• Becoming overly condent and reckless
• Difculty in making decisions
• Reduction in balance
• Slowed reexes
• Impaired judgment
How does alcohol affect my driving?
We can’t emphasize enough how dangerous it is for you
to drink and drive. Your vision and your brain are the
most important factors in driving safely. If you jeopardize
either by drinking, and then you drive, you are likely to be
involved in a serious or fatal collision.
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