No significant effects on performance were obtained due to altitude or to the interaction of altitude with alcohol.
Living at 6,035 feet above sea level, Colorado Springs residents and visitors often wonder whether our Mile High altitude affects blood alcohol content (BAC) readings.
As a criminal defense attorney who has handled hundreds of DUI cases in El Paso County, I frequently encounter this question from clients who claim they “felt more intoxicated” at altitude. The answer might surprise you—and understanding the science could be crucial to your DUI defense.
The Science Behind Altitude and Blood Alcohol Content
The persistent myth that high altitude increases your BAC has been thoroughly debunked by scientific research. When consuming the same amount of alcohol the study found that there was no difference in blood alcohol levels between the two groups (Collins, Mertens, & Higgins, 1987).
This landmark study, conducted by researchers at the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute, specifically tested subjects at simulated altitudes of 12,500 feet—nearly double Colorado Springs’ elevation.
However, the research is against it. Numerous studies have shown that altitude has no effect on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Both high altitude and alcohol do impair your mental performance, but the two do not magically increase the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream when combined. This finding is consistent across multiple peer-reviewed studies spanning several decades.
The Collins, Mertens, and Higgins study remains the gold standard for understanding alcohol effects at altitude. Each of 17 men was trained on 7 tasks in the Multiple Task Performance Battery and then performed over a 2-week period in four experimental sessions: ground level with and without alcohol, and simulated altitude (12,500 ft), with and without alcohol.
The results were clear: There was no synergistic interactive effect of alcohol and altitude on either breathalyzer readings or performance scores.
See:
Why People Feel “More Drunk” at High Altitude in Colorado Springs
While your actual BAC doesn’t change at Colorado Springs’ altitude, many people genuinely feel more intoxicated. This phenomenon has several scientific explanations:
1. Dehydration Effects
Colorado Springs’ high-altitude environment causes rapid dehydration. The dry air and increased respiration rate at 6,035 feet leads to faster fluid loss. Alcohol is a diuretic, further accelerating dehydration. While dehydration doesn’t increase your BAC, it can intensify alcohol’s effects on your body and mind.
2. Reduced Oxygen Levels
At Colorado Springs’ elevation, the air contains about 20% less oxygen than at sea level. Your brain receives less oxygen, which can cause symptoms similar to mild intoxication: light-headedness, reduced concentration, and impaired judgment. When combined with alcohol’s effects, these symptoms can feel magnified.
3. Visitor Acclimation Issues
Tourists visiting Colorado Springs from lower elevations face additional challenges. Altitude – Drinks consumed at high altitudes can be nearly twice as potent in their effect for the first few days until the person becomes accustomed to the elevation. However, this “potency” refers to subjective feelings, not actual BAC levels.
Implications for DUI Cases in Colorado Springs
Understanding the relationship between altitude and alcohol is crucial for DUI defense in El Paso County courts. Here’s what Colorado Springs drivers need to know:
BAC Readings Remain Valid
Since altitude doesn’t actually affect blood alcohol content, breathalyzer and blood test results remain scientifically valid at Colorado Springs’ elevation.
These results and those from several other studies suggest that prevalent views regarding the nature of the combined effects of alcohol and altitude on blood levels and on performance are misconceptions.
Colorado Springs police officers and El Paso County prosecutors should be well-aware of these scientific findings. Claiming that altitude affected your BAC reading is not a viable defense strategy in local courts.
The Subjective Experience Defense
However, the subjective experience of feeling more intoxicated at altitude can be relevant in certain circumstances. If you’re visiting Colorado Springs from a lower elevation, you might genuinely have impaired judgment due to altitude effects, even with the same BAC you’d have at sea level. This could be relevant in cases involving:
- Field sobriety test performance
- Decision-making regarding whether to drive
- Understanding of your level of impairment
Colorado Springs Police Training
The Colorado Springs Police Department’s DUI enforcement unit understands that visitors might experience altitude-related symptoms that could affect field sobriety tests. However, they’re also trained to distinguish between altitude effects and alcohol impairment.
Defending DUI Cases in El Paso County Courts
In my experience handling DUI cases throughout Colorado Springs and El Paso County, successful defenses focus on actual legal and procedural issues rather than altitude myths.
Even if you feel a little drunker than usual when you’re visiting Colorado Springs, your BAC is determined by the amount of alcohol you consume in a certain time period. If you feel a little more intoxicated at altitude, maybe it’s a good time to slow down your intake.
Some effective DUI defense strategies include:
1. Challenging Test Accuracy
While altitude doesn’t affect BAC, breathalyzer machines can be affected by Colorado’s dry climate and temperature fluctuations.
Regular calibration issues with devices used by the Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Springs Police Department have led to successful challenges in El Paso County Court. If the machine isn’t certified, out of calibration, or the operator is not certified, the test could be excluded by the Court.
2. Questioning Officer Observations
High altitude can cause legitimate medical symptoms (fatigue, headache, nausea) that might be mistaken for intoxication signs. Experienced Colorado Springs DUI attorneys examine whether officers properly distinguished between altitude-related symptoms and alcohol impairment. Maybe you were out of sorts from the altitude, not the booze when you failed field sobriety tests.
3. Medical Conditions at Altitude
Colorado’s elevation can exacerbate certain medical conditions that affect BAC absorption or metabolism. Conditions like GERD, diabetes, or respiratory issues may be more pronounced at 6,035 feet, potentially affecting test results or officer observations. Let your attorney know if you have any medical conditions.
Practical Advice for Colorado Springs Drivers
Know Your Limits Stay the Same
Your alcohol tolerance doesn’t change at altitude, but your perception might. The same number of drinks that gets you to 0.08% BAC at sea level will have the same effect in Colorado Springs. Plan accordingly and don’t assume you can drink more because you’re at altitude.
Stay Hydrated
Colorado Springs’ dry air increases dehydration risk, which can intensify alcohol’s effects. Drink water between alcoholic beverages, especially during outdoor activities like hiking or attending events at Garden of the Gods or Manitou Springs.
Consider Ride-Sharing Services
With abundant Uber and Lyft availability throughout Colorado Springs, from downtown to the Broadmoor area, there’s no excuse for impaired driving. The cost of a ride home is minimal compared to DUI consequences in El Paso County.
Be Extra Cautious as a Visitor
If you’re visiting Colorado Springs from lower elevations, be especially careful with alcohol consumption. While your BAC won’t be higher, you may feel effects more intensely during your first few days at altitude.
Military Personnel Considerations
Colorado Springs hosts multiple military installations including Fort Carson, the Air Force Academy, Schriever Space Force Base, and Peterson Space Force Base. Military personnel face additional consequences for DUI charges, including potential court-martial proceedings and administrative actions.
Military members should be particularly aware that altitude doesn’t provide any defense against DUI charges. The effects of a DUI or DWAI can be disastrous for your military career.
The Bottom Line for Colorado Springs Residents
The scientific evidence is clear: Colorado Springs’ 6,035-foot elevation does not increase your blood alcohol content. While you might feel more intoxicated due to dehydration, reduced oxygen, or acclimation issues, your actual BAC remains the same as it would at sea level. Colorado’s legal limit of 0.08% applies equally whether you’re in Colorado Springs, Denver or Cripple Creek.
Understanding this science is crucial for making responsible decisions about drinking and driving in our mountain community. When facing DUI charges in El Paso County, work with an attorney who understands both the scientific evidence and local court procedures.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Colorado Springs or anywhere in El Paso County, don’t rely on altitude myths for your defense. Contact an experienced DUI attorney who can identify legitimate defense strategies based on evidence and Colorado law.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individual cases require analysis by a qualified Colorado attorney.
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