California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Alcohol and DrugsMedium
A driver consumed five alcoholic drinks over a two-hour period. Each drink contained approximately 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. Which of the following factors would most significantly influence how quickly their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) rises and their level of impairment?
- AThe brand name of the alcohol.
- BThe time of day the alcohol was consumed.
- CThe color of the alcoholic beverages consumed.
- DTheir body weight and gender.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Their body weight and gender.
Body weight and gender are major determinants of how alcohol is distributed and metabolized in the body. A smaller person or a female typically has less body water, leading to a higher BAC for the same amount of alcohol consumed, and thus greater impairment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The brand name of alcohol is irrelevant; the amount of pure alcohol per drink is what matters.
- B. While sleep deprivation can exacerbate impairment, the time of day itself doesn't directly influence the rate of BAC increase.
- C. The color of an alcoholic beverage has no bearing on its alcohol content or how it affects BAC.
Factors Affecting BAC
Several biological and situational factors influence how quickly and to what level an individual's Blood Alcohol Concentration rises after consuming alcohol.
- Body weight and gender are key biological factors.
- Amount of alcohol consumed and rate of consumption matter.
- Food in stomach can slow absorption, but not eliminate it.
Memory trick: BAC is a balance of what you drink and who you are.