Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal across the United States, and the consequences can be devastating. This means that anyone who gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol faces serious legal repercussions. The consequences of a DUI conviction can include fines, jail time, license suspension, and even the possibility of losing your driver’s license.
In recent years, online BAC calculators have become available to assess whether you have had too much to drink to drive. However, it does not actually test your BAC and is for informational purposes. Here is what you should know about online BAC calculators and whether they can help you avoid a DUI.
What are Online BAC Calculators?
An online breathalyzer calculator helps people determine their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) based on the amount of alcohol they have consumed. It can be useful if you want to know how much alcohol you have had or if you are planning to drive after drinking. It uses information that you provide to calculate your likely blood alcohol level, including your body weight, age, and gender. However, it may not be accurate for your situation.
Benefits Of Using An Online BAC Calculator
An online BAC calculator can provide you with a ballpark estimate of how much alcohol you have consumed over the course of one night. There are many different types of BAC calculators available online, including those that work with mobile devices and apps.
If you are looking for a “ballpark” range of where you are likely to fall based on your blood alcohol level, an online BAC can help you determine whether or not you should order that next round. You might find yourself surprised to learn just how high your blood alcohol levels actually are.
These benefits exist despite the fact they are not always accurate. For example, some people believe that BAC calculators are able to accurately predict how intoxicated someone will feel the following day. However, it is important to remember that BAC calculators do not take into account factors such as individual body chemistry and metabolism rates, the amount of food eaten, medications taken, etc.
How To Calculate Your Blood Alcohol Content
Online BAC calculators typically start out asking you to enter your sex and height, along with how much you weigh. You are asked what type of beverage you drank — beer, wine, liquor, etc. — and how many ounces it contained. Then, you enter the time and date of drinking, and finally, you enter the number of drinks you consumed.
Some online calculators go further. They will give you a detailed breakdown of what you drank, including the time of each drink, whether you ate anything while drinking, and even whether you took a walk around the block afterward.
A general rule of thumb is that the average person’s body processes one alcoholic drink every hour. So if you consume three drinks in a four-hour period, you could be legally drunk within 30 minutes.
How Accurate are Online BAC Calculators at Predicting Your Blood Alcohol Concentration?
Online BAC calculators are to be used for informational purposes online. Because there is not a breathalyzer test involved, they are not as accurate as actual tests. They also do not account for factors such as food consumption, medications, or other substances that may affect your BAC.
Is an Online BAC Calculator Useful in Preventing a DUI?
The best way to prevent a DUI is not to consume any alcohol before driving. If you do decide to drink, make sure to plan ahead so you do not end up getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Using an online BAC calculator can give you a rough idea of whether you have had too much to drink while driving.
Schedule a Free Consultation To Learn More About Your Legal Options
It is important to note that BAC calculators are not meant to be used as a substitute for professional assessments. They are good tools that can help you assess your alcohol consumption so you do not do something that you might later regret.
Furthermore, if you have been charged with a DUI, consider talking to an experienced DUI attorney in your area today. With the right legal guidance, you can learn more about your options and work toward the best possible outcome in your case. Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford for help. Call us at (215) 822-7575 or submit our contact form to schedule your consultation.
