The vast majority of road accidents are caused by driver error. If you’re not driving safely, you’re not just putting yourself at risk. You’re also endangering other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Alcohol consumption is an issue that crops up time and time again. If you’re a driver, it’s imperative that you know how much you’ve had to drink, and whether you’re over the limit.
How much is too much?
One of the main problems police encounter is drivers being unaware of the legal limit. Most people who drive under the influence of alcohol don’t even know that they’ve had too much. The legal limit is very low. In Florida, for example, you must have a blood alcohol reading of lower than 0.8. If you are stopped, and your test result is higher, you could face DUI charges. There’s a great deal of confusion surrounding drinking and driving. This is largely because it’s hard to convert a reading of lower than 0.8 into a quantity. You can’t just say that it’s two pints of beer or a glass of wine, for example. Everybody is different, and the way people process alcohol varies. Your reading may be dependent on your gender, age, weight, and the type of alcohol, for example. The only real way of knowing that you haven’t had too much to drink is to refrain from drinking altogether. If you want to drink, book a cab, or arrange a lift.
What happens when you drink?
You may feel absolutely fine when you’ve had a couple of drinks. However, even a small amount of alcohol will have an impact. Drinking increases reaction time, and it can also affect your judgment. Your vision may be impaired, and you may take risks that you wouldn’t normally consider behind the wheel. Drinking can also make you more prone to tiredness and drowsiness. When you’re driving, seconds can make all the difference. If you can’t react quickly, this could have disastrous consequences. More information about the effects of drinking can be found at https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/driving-while-impaired-alcohol-and-drugs.
In the US, somebody is killed in a crash involving a driver who has been drinking every 53 minutes. You may think that you’re safe to drive after a few drinks. But the reality is that you’re not.
What can I do if I’ve been stopped?
If you’ve been stopped by the police, they may do a breath test at the roadside. If the reading is too high, a blood sample may also be analyzed at the station. If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s wise to seek legal advice. Check out sites like http://klgdefense.com/criminal-defense/dui/, and discuss your case with an experienced lawyer. The severity of punishments varies depending on whether you’ve committed an offense before. You may be faced with a prison sentence, a fine, and a driving ban.
Every driver has a responsibility to drive safely. If you’ve been drinking, this poses a risk to everyone around you. If you’re driving, don’t take risks. Stay sober, or book a taxi.
Tags: driving safely road accidents
