In Alberta law, "driving under the influence" specifically refers to the act of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit established by provincial regulations. This typically means that a driver has consumed enough alcohol for their BAC to reach 0.08% or higher, although there are stricter limits for novice drivers and certain classes of licenses, which may impose a zero-tolerance policy. The laws surrounding this issue are designed to promote road safety and reduce the risks associated with impaired driving, which significantly increases the likelihood of accidents and endangers the lives of not only the driver but also passengers and other road users.
The focus on BAC levels emphasizes the importance of understanding how alcohol affects judgment and reaction times, which are critical to safe driving. Being caught driving under these circumstances can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and even imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of the offense in Alberta's legal system.