In France, the law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol level greater than or equal to 0.5 g/l of blood (0.2 g/l in the case of a probationary license).
Did you drink too much? If in doubt, do not drive or blow into a breathalyzer first. THE blood alcohol level is not eliminated quickly so always be careful.
What is the formula for calculating your blood alcohol level?
To calculate blood alcohol content, that is to say the level of alcohol present in the blood, there is a formula which varies according to the sex and weight of the individual. “Women are generally more sensitive that men face the absorption of alcoholic beverages“, comments Dr Patrick Aubé.
► For a manthe formula is as follows: (V×T×0.8) ÷ (0.7×M)
► For a womanthe formula is essentially the same: (V×T×0.8) ÷ (0.6×M)
- V represents the volume of drink ingested;
- T represents the alcohol content as a percentage;
- 0.8 represents the density of the alcohol;
- 0.7 and 0.6 (male and female) correspond to the diffusion coefficients;
- M represents the weight of the individual in kilos.
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Let’s take the example of a 60 kg woman who drank a 10 cl glass of champagne at 12 degrees: (100×0.12×0.8) ÷ (0.6×60) = 9.6 ÷ 36 ≈ 0.26 |
How many drinks are allowed while driving?
In France, the law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol level greater than or equal to 0.5 g/l of blood (0.2 g/l in the case of a probationary license). One unit of alcohol increases blood alcohol content by 0.25 g per liter of blood. In other words, you should not consume more than two units or glasses when you want to get behind the wheel. “It is also necessary to take into account medications that reduce alertness and with which alcohol consumption is very strongly discouraged, leading to a risk of increased drowsiness and a reduction in reflexes which can make driving a car very dangerous. These medications are classified into the families of hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antihistamines (treatment of allergies)“, would like to point out Dr Patrick Aubé.
How fast is alcohol eliminated?
The maximum blood alcohol level is reached after about an hour if the drink is taken during a meal, or half an hour if you are on an empty stomach. The body eliminates 0.10g to 0.15g of alcohol per liter of blood in one hour. It takes about 1 hour to eliminate 1 drink, 2 hours for 2 drinks, etc. So, when you drink ½ bottle of wine during a meal, you only eliminate this alcohol after 4 hours.
Exercise, eat, drink water, drink coffee, take an aspirin… Contrary to many preconceived ideas, There is no miracle cure to quickly lower your blood alcohol level.. “While it is true that certain molecules are being studied to allow an acceleration in the speed of elimination of absorbed alcohol, in the meantime, there is only one thing that works: be patient while waiting for the body to eliminate the alcohol“, indicates our interlocutor.
When to drive after drinking?
“It is always preferable not to drive after drinking alcohol, as not all individuals are equal in terms of the effect of alcohol on their driving behavior. you must allow at least two hours to pass before getting behind the wheel after even moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages”, recommends Dr. Patrick Aubé.
Thanks to Dr Patrick Aubé, general practitioner
