Which measurement is routinely used to determine intoxication levels at or after a crash?

• A. Breath Alcohol Concentration
• B. Blood Alcohol Concentration
• C. Vehicle speed analysis
• D. Tire wear inspection

Answer: (B)

When assessing impairment after a crash, the direct measure of how much alcohol is in the bloodstream is used. This is Blood Alcohol Concentration, obtained from a blood sample, and it provides a precise and legally defensible indication of intoxication levels. Breath tests (Breath Alcohol Concentration) are common on the scene as a quick screening tool and can estimate BAC, but they can be affected by factors like mouth alcohol or recent intake and are not as definitive as a blood test. The other options—analyzing vehicle speed or inspecting tires—do not measure intoxication; they relate to crash dynamics or vehicle condition rather than impairment. So, Blood Alcohol Concentration is the standard choice for determining intoxication levels at or after a crash.