El Consumo de Alcohol

Alcohol-related accidents represent a serious problem on the roads of Barcelona and around the world. Driving under the influence of alcohol significantly increases the risk of traffic accidents, and the consequences can be devastating for both the driver and the victims involved. Accilegal Lawyers provides legal advice and representation to those who have suffered accidents caused by drunk drivers, aiming to protect their rights and ensure fair compensation.

Our team of specialized traffic accident lawyers understands the intricacies of each case and works diligently to secure a personalized legal strategy. We analyze the specific circumstances of the accident, determine the liability of the parties involved, and design an appropriate legal approach to achieve favorable results.

Accilegal Lawyers handles all legal aspects related to alcohol-related accidents, including:

• Initial case evaluation and evidence collection
• Negotiation with insurance companies
• Calculation of damages and compensation
• Representation in judicial and extrajudicial proceedings
• Advice on the rights and obligations of victims regarding traffic regulations

We strive to provide personalized and efficient service, focusing on the satisfaction of our clients and their physical, emotional, and financial recovery after an alcohol-related accident. Our experience and dedication enable us to approach each case with the necessary attention and rigor to achieve the best possible outcomes.

With Accilegal Lawyers by your side, you can be confident that you will receive the necessary legal support to overcome the consequences of an alcohol-related accident and reclaim your life in Barcelona."

The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that you reach after consuming alcohol can vary greatly. Therefore, even if you believe you know your limits, it's really easy for alcohol to give you an unpleasant surprise. It's always best not to drink if you're going to drive.

After ingestion, alcohol is absorbed in the digestive system, approximately 20-25% in the stomach and the majority in the small intestine, where it enters the bloodstream and reaches its highest concentration after 30-90 minutes. The rate of absorption can be influenced by:

• Food: The presence of substances in the stomach delays absorption.
• Type of beverage: Both distilled beverages and mixtures with carbonated drinks are absorbed more quickly.
• Elapsed time: Alcohol is absorbed faster at the beginning of consumption.
• Level of habituation or tolerance: Heavy chronic drinkers absorb alcohol more rapidly than abstainers.

After absorption, alcohol is distributed throughout the body by the blood. The amount of alcohol present in the blood is referred to as blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and higher levels of alcohol in the blood have greater effects on driving.

After absorption, the majority of alcohol (90-98%) is metabolized in the liver at a constant rate, while another portion is eliminated unchanged through urine, sweat, and exhaled air.

The determination of alcohol in exhaled air is precisely what is used in breathalyzer tests, taking advantage of the constant 2001/1 ratio between blood alcohol level and breath alcohol level. The measurement is carried out using a device called a breathalyzer, which is non-invasive, convenient, and reliable.

Another way to determine blood alcohol concentration is through a blood test, which is used in cases where the individual claims they are unable to provide a breath sample due to a medical condition, in cases of injury, or when the individual requests a confirmatory test. The blood sample is obtained at a healthcare facility.

There are numerous variables that influence this concentration and the speed at which it is reached, although generally the following distinctions are made:

The speed at which alcohol is consumed: The absorption of alcohol is directly dependent on the speed at which you drink. The faster you consume the drink, the higher the absorption rate and the total amount of alcohol that enters the bloodstream.

Therefore, while we emphasize that the only safe level is 0.0, if you choose to drink, it is recommended to do so slowly and to separate the alcoholic beverages you consume over time. It is also beneficial to intersperse non-alcoholic beverages between two alcoholic drinks.

The characteristics of the alcohol consumed:

The absorption of alcohol is slower in fermented beverages (such as beer or wine) than in distilled ones (such as gin, rum, or whiskey).

In addition, consuming alcohol along with carbonated beverages (such as tonic water or certain cola drinks) or consuming it hot can accelerate the onset of intoxication. Therefore, you should avoid consuming distilled beverages, especially if you typically consume them hot or mixed with carbonated drinks.

Having an empty or full stomach:

The speed of alcohol absorption depends on the amount that reaches the small intestine, so the presence of food in the stomach is a significant variable. When the digestive tract is empty, the amount of alcohol that enters the bloodstream is higher and does so more rapidly. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume alcohol on an empty stomach.

Age and driving experience:

Individuals under 18 years of age and those over 65 are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, making it easier for them to experience impairments in the psychophysical capabilities necessary for driving. Furthermore, it is important to note that the effects of alcohol are more pronounced in inexperienced drivers, as they have not yet automated the necessary driving movements that come with practice. Therefore, novice drivers are allowed a lower blood alcohol concentration limit for driving.

Gender and body weight:

Alcohol is distributed differently in the bodies of men and women. As a result, women may have higher blood alcohol concentrations with the same amount of alcohol, especially if they are young. The distribution and concentration of alcohol also vary between individuals with different body weights. Therefore, a thin person may have a higher blood alcohol concentration with the same amount of alcohol ingested compared to a person with a larger body weight.

Time of day:

The elimination of alcohol is much slower during sleeping hours. Therefore, if you have consumed a significant amount of alcohol before going to bed, it is possible to wake up in the morning with a positive blood alcohol concentration. Sleeping for a few hours is not enough to ensure safe driving.

Personal circumstances:

Factors such as fatigue, drowsiness, anxiety, stress, or other illnesses can influence blood alcohol concentration and its effects on your body.

How long does the effect of alcohol last?

Alcohol can be detected in the blood as early as 5 minutes after ingestion and reaches its peak level between 30 and 90 minutes. From this point, it slowly starts to disappear from the blood until it is completely eliminated.

A person with a blood alcohol concentration of 1g/l may need between 6 and 10 hours for their blood alcohol concentration to drop below the maximum permitted level. Even below the legal limit, the risk of an accident can already be increased. Therefore, it is best to avoid driving after consuming any amount of alcohol. The only truly safe level is 0.0 g/l.

The alcohol concentration curve shows how the concentration of alcohol in the blood changes over time. The shape of this curve is influenced by all the variables that can affect blood alcohol concentration.