At what BAC level is poor coordination typically observed?

Poor coordination is typically observed at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.10. At this level, significant impairment can affect motor skills and coordination, which are critical for tasks such as driving. Research indicates that as BAC increases, the central nervous system becomes more affected, leading to deficits in balance, coordination, and overall motor function.

At 0.10 BAC, individuals may struggle with basic tasks and show noticeable signs of intoxication, such as difficulty in walking, swaying while standing, and problems with fine motor skills. This impairment can severely compromise their safety and the safety of others on the road.

In contrast, while lower BAC levels—like 0.02 or 0.05—may start to show minimal effects such as slight changes in judgment or reaction time, they are typically not enough to cause significant issues with coordination. The 0.08 BAC level is often considered the legal limit in many jurisdictions for driving, where more substantial impairment becomes evident, but the most pronounced effects—specifically concerning poor coordination—are typically more extreme at a level of 0.10.