Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Sacramento. Drugs and alcohol result in impaired judgment and reduces the responsiveness of a driver.
Apart from alcohol, illegal drugs, and some over-the-counter medications such as painkillers and anti-histamines can cause impairment.
Drivers are required by law to adhere to established DUI standards, such as the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC).
Law enforcement may, therefore, perform random sobriety tests on motorists they suspect to be driving while under the influence. The test comprises a series of tasks aimed at establishing the driver’s cognitive level. For instance, the officers may request the driver to recite the alphabet backward or walk a straight line.
The officer may also ask the driver to undergo a chemical test using a breathalyzer. This test measures the driver’s blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). Urine and blood tests can also be performed at a hospital to establish the BAC. The BAC limit to drive in all roads in Sacramento is set at 0.08%.
A driver is required to consent to the tests. If the driver refuses to submit to the testing, he/she may face punishments such as a temporary suspension of his/her driver’s license.