Blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is a funny thing. It isn’t funny because of the “buzz” of a few beers, but, more because of the danger that is posed with every drink we consume. For women, that funny feeling is a bit more risky than it is for men, and with each drink consumed, getting behind the wheel of a car becomes more than a lesson in Mars versus Venus: it can be a deadly decision.
When drinking alcohol, women have a different set of metabolic rules due to overall size and body fat composition than men. So, one glass of wine will measure at a higher BAC for a 140 pound woman, than that of a man who weighs the same. At that same body weight, two servings of wine within an hour will almost put a woman at the legal BAC limit for a DUI (.08 percent). If those serving sizes are more than five ounces (the standard serving size for wine), it will only take a couple of glasses for a woman to be considered legally drunk… and a danger on the road.
Women should also keep in mind the type of drinks they are consuming, especially if driving is in their future. Cocktails that are mixed with carbonated beverages can increase the effects of alcohol, or cocktails that contain different types of liquor could be a combination for a high BAC evening. “Skinny” drinks can lead to more drinks and a higher BAC, because “low calorie” labeling often invites an extra drink or two.
There is nothing funny about drinking and driving, so understanding your limit is vital to everyone’s safety. Plus, you don’t want to add a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock into your social schedule. Women may have a harder time staying below the .08 BAC line, but at the end of the night, it is always best to know that you are safe and not sorry for risking your life and the lives of others by driving under the influence of alcohol.
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