GMC SIERRA 1994 Manual page 168

But it's very important
to keep in
mind that the ability to drive is affected
well below a BAC of 0. I0 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of
many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the
effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above
0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident
increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A
driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a
180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an
accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having
an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0. IS percent, the chances are
twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of
the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers
will speed that up.
"1'11 be careful" isn't the right answer. What if there's an emergency, a need
to take sudden action,
as
when a child darts into the street? A person with a
higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
There's something else about drinking and driving that many people don't
know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person's system can make
crash injuries worse. That's especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart
injuries. That means that if anyone who has been drinking
-
driver or
passenger
-
is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently
disabled is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we've
already seen that the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, and judgment will be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You could have a serious
-
or even fatal
-
accident if you drive after drinking. Please don't drink and
drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in
a cab; or if you're with a group, designate a driver who will not
drink.
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