What is the maximum number of seconds a person with a BAC above 0.10 can maintain balance according to original research?

The maximum number of seconds a person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.10 can maintain balance is supported by original research indicating that individuals at this level of intoxication typically exhibit significant impairment. Research has shown that individuals with a BAC above this threshold struggle to maintain their balance for a limited time, with findings suggesting a maximum of around 25 seconds as a standard benchmark. This reflects their decreased motor skills and coordination, which are heavily affected by alcohol consumption.

Understanding this metric is essential in the context of the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST), where balance and coordination are critical measures for assessing an individual's level of impairment. By recognizing that the ability to maintain balance diminishes considerably at higher BAC levels, law enforcement officers can more accurately evaluate suspected driving under the influence scenarios.