With all of the focus on drinking and driving, it’s hard to get the facts straight. Yes, you should avoid drinking and driving, at all costs. However, what constitutes “drinking and driving” in the first place? Is it one drink? Two? Does it only count if you’re legally drunk? With one person dying from a drunk driving accident every 53 minutes, you might say even one is too many.
Nonetheless, people are still getting behind the wheel, including many who assume that they’re “safe” since they only had one or two drinks. So, can one glass of wine cause you to get drunk enough to be a danger on the roads? That depends on several different factors.
WHAT IS THE LEGAL DRIVING LIMIT?
The legal driving limit varies from one state to the next. In Alabama, anyone driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% can be charged with a DUI. This, of course, is assuming that they are driving a passenger vehicle and are over the age of 21. For minors, the limit is 0.02%.
Commercial drivers must have a BAC of 0.04% or less to avoid a DUI charge in their personal vehicle. If they are on the clock, they could still be charged with a DUI and face penalties at work, including potential termination. The state also has a lower limit of 0.02% for bus drivers and daycare drivers.
SO, COULD YOU DRIVE AFTER ONE DRINK?
The way that alcohol metabolizes in your body varies from you to the next person. Thus, some people may be fine to drive after one drink, while others could struggle or even risk serious harm or danger. It’s all about your body and your ability, which is why it’s just best to refrain from drinking and driving at all.
MYTHS ABOUT DRUNK DRIVING
Alcohol stimulates your brain: False. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, including the impulse control centers.- Cold air sobers you up: False. It might wake you up a bit, but you’ll still be intoxicated until the alcohol filters out of your system.
- Hard liquor is the only problem for DUIs: False. Everyone is different and some people might tolerate liquor better than beer, or vice versa.
- One drink will significantly increase your accident risk: False. Numerous studies have shown that there’s rarely an increase in danger after one drink.
- “You smell wasted!”: False. Yes, alcohol, specifically beers, leave behind an often-foul “beer breath” smell. However, this is no indicator of the actual level of intoxication, but a mere sign that someone has had a drink.
WHAT TO DO IF I HAVE BEEN INJURED BY A DRUNK DRIVER
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one as the result of a drunk driving accident, you need to contact a lawyer immediately. David Bence of Bence Law Firm is an experienced car accident attorney in Phenix City, Alabama, and can provide you with a free consultation so that you understand your rights and how to get the justice that you deserve. Contact Bence Law Firm today to learn more and get started.
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