The concentration of alcohol in a person's bloodstream is measurable. Suppose
that the relative risk \(R\) of having an accident while driving a car can be
modeled by an equation of the form$$R=e^{k x}$$
where \(x\) is the percent concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream and \(k\)
is a constant.
(a) Suppose that a concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream of 0.03 percent
results in a relative risk of an accident of \(1.4 .\) Find the constant \(k\) in
the equation.
(b) Using this value of \(k,\) what is the relative risk if the concentration is
0.17 percent?
(c) Using the same value of \(k,\) what concentration of alcohol corresponds to
a relative risk of \(100 ?\)
(d) If the law asserts that anyone with a relative risk of having an accident
of 5 or more should not have driving privileges, at what concentration of
alcohol in the bloodstream should a driver be arrested and charged with a DUI?
(e) Compare this situation with that of Example \(10 .\) If you were a lawmaker,
which situation would you support? Give your reasons.