Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is the primary effect of having a BAC level of 0.08% or higher?

1. Increased insurance rates

2. Impaired judgment and motor skills

3. Detention for underage drinking

4. License suspension for a month

The correct answer is: Impaired judgment and motor skills

Having a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher primarily leads to impaired judgment and motor skills. At this level, an individual's ability to think clearly, make decisions, and react swiftly is significantly diminished, which can substantially increase the risk of accidents and hazardous situations. This impairment affects both cognitive functions, such as reasoning and judgment, and physical abilities, including coordination and reaction times. While factors like increased insurance rates and potential license suspension can result from such a BAC level, those outcomes are secondary effects rather than the immediate dangers associated with intoxication. The focus for understanding the risks associated with a BAC of 0.08% lies in the direct impact on a person's abilities, which can affect their safety and the safety of others on the road. Additionally, while underage drinking can lead to detention, this is not a primary effect of reaching that specific BAC level. Thus, the correct choice highlights the significant risks posed to cognitive and motor functions associated with alcohol consumption at or above this threshold.