Having a Few Drinks? Find Out How Your Blood-Alcohol Concentration Is Affected

Riding a motorcycle, whether on North Second Street in Loves Park, Machesney Road in Machesney Park, or Alpine Road in Rockford, takes coordination, focus, and judgment. Many bikers believe that a couple of drinks loosen them up and actually helps them ride better. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

After a drink or two, your brain is affected—even if you feel “fine” to ride. In fact, one of the first signs of alcohol impairment is a driver’s inability to recognize it. So, what affects a driver’s blood-alcohol concentration or BAC? Following are some of the factors:

• The number of drinks you consume—regardless of the type of alcohol—has the biggest influence on your BAC. Keep in mind that a drink equals about one-half of an ounce of alcohol, or the amount in a 12-ounce beer, one shot of hard liquor, or a 5-ounce glass of wine.
• How fast you drink also influences your BAC. Alcohol is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine and affects you within 30 to 70 minutes. The faster you drink, the faster your BAC will rise.
• The food you have recently eaten also affects how quickly your BAC rises. Alcohol is absorbed more slowly when there is food in your stomach.
• Your weight affects your BAC. Heavier people have more water in their system, which dilutes the alcohol and reduces BAC.
• BAC tends to rise more quickly for women because their bodies are comprised of more fat cells and less water than their male counterparts. Alcohol is not as easily absorbed into fat cells, so more alcohol remains in the blood.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately one-third of motorcyclists involved in fatal motorcycle crashes had BAC of .08 or more. So, is it really worth the risk to drink and ride?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash by a negligent driver, you deserve to be compensated. Call us today to schedule a complimentary case evaluation. We are standing by to help.