The driver of the car in which Princess Diana died reportedly had a blood alcohol level of more than three times the legal limit in France. Here is a look at the alcohol concentration in the blood at which a driver is considered legally intoxicated in various countries and how many drinks it takes. Legal level of intoxication in selected countries The amount of alcohol in a person's body is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood. The measurement is based on grams per deciliter. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, key driving functions are impaired at levels as low as 0.02 to 0.04 of blood alcohol concentration (BAC). One drink equals .54 ounces of alcohol. This is the approximate amount found in one shot of distilled spirits, or one can of beer, or one glass of wine.

Number of drinks and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in one hour of drinking:

Number of drinks and blood alcohol concentration in two hours of drinking:

Relative fatality risk for drivers in a single vehicle crash according to blood alcohol concentration:

Driving impairment according to blood alcohol concentration:

SOURCE: Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety,
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Remembering Diana | International Section