{"id":4725,"date":"2023-12-11T08:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T16:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/?p=4725"},"modified":"2023-12-08T08:32:52","modified_gmt":"2023-12-08T16:32:52","slug":"dui-all-about-bac-readings-in-washington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/sr22-insurance\/dui-all-about-bac-readings-in-washington\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid a DUI in Washington: the Ins and Outs of BAC Readings\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In Washington state, a high BAC can send you to jail. At the very least, your license will be suspended and you\u2019ll pay through the nose for fines, fees, lawyers, and court costs. Not to mention the hit on your car insurance<\/a> rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n BAC stands for blood alcohol content. That\u2019s how much alcohol is in your system as measured by a breathalyzer or blood test. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A high BAC matters most when you\u2019re behind the wheel of a car<\/a>. If you\u2019re 21 or older, and it\u2019s determined that your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you can be immediately arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). You must have an even lower BAC if you\u2019re driving a commercial vehicle or are under 21. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no clear-cut answer. For comparison, a 180-pound male who consumes two beers might get a reading of about half that legal limit or 0.04%. Women who drink the same two beers will usually have a somewhat higher reading. But \u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are lots of buts<\/em>. Drinkers who weigh less can get higher BACs with fewer drinks. If you\u2019re eating while consuming alcohol, your BAC will likely rise slower than if you\u2019re drinking on an empty stomach. The alcoholic content of a drink makes a difference, too. Your BAC will rise quicker if you\u2019re downing whiskey shots than with the same number of light beers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While there\u2019s no proven formula that will tell you how many drinks will result in a BAC of 0.08, consider this: the point at which you start feeling the effects of alcohol\u2014slurred speech, giddiness, and difficulty walking\u2014is generally far higher than 0.08%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So once you start feeling your night out, it\u2019s too late.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t drink. Or don\u2019t drive. It\u2019s that simple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your night out is a group activity, one person should be your designated driver. This person doesn\u2019t drink a drop of alcohol all evening and takes everyone home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many bars and restaurants will let DDs drink non-alcoholic beverages for free. If everyone in your group takes turns being the DD, it\u2019s not too much of a hassle for anyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re drinking alone or no one in your group wishes not to consume, take a rideshare or public transit. Or perhaps there\u2019s a neighborhood bar within walking distance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Plan ahead. Don\u2019t risk a DUI when an alternative solution is so easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The penalties for getting a DUI in Washington are pretty severe<\/a>. Calling a lawyer in your Washington town who specializes in DUI is a good idea. Your car has probably been towed, so you\u2019ll need to make arrangements to get it back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your next call should be to your auto insurance agent. You might need SR-22 certification<\/a> to drive after a conviction. An SR-22 is legal proof that you have liability insurance. Your auto insurance agent can further explain an SR-22 and help you file the paperwork, if they keep you on as a customer. You may need to search for a new insurer that handles high-risk drivers to find the most affordable coverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No one wants to see flashing lights after a night out. But if you blow a BAC reading of 0.08%, contact Vern Fonk Insurance. We\u2019ve helped thousands of drivers get affordable coverage even with a DUI in the recent past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact your independent Vern Fonk Insurance agent at (800) 455-8276<\/a>. <\/strong>You can also get a quick quote online<\/a> or find a Washington office and agent near you<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is BAC?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Many Drinks Is a 0.08?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How Can I Avoid a High BAC and DUI?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Call the Experts for Help in Washington<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reach Out for Affordable SR-22 Insurance in Washington<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n