April 25, 2024
Summer’s finally here! It’s time for barbecues, pool parties and late nights on the town. But with good times come bad decisions. Especially behind the wheel. We’re debunking some common myths about drinking and driving so you can keep yourself and others safe this season.
Myth #1: I can handle my alcohol.
Everyone processes alcohol differently, and there’s no way to know for sure how much alcohol you can handle. Even a small amount can impair your judgment and reaction time.
Myth #2: Coffee will sober me up.
Coffee can make you feel more alert, but it won’t sober you up. Alcohol is a depressant; it takes time to leave your body. The only way to sober up is to wait.
Myth #3: Rolling down the car window will help me sober up.
No amount of fresh air can beat a breathalyzer. Rolling down a window or turning on the AC isn’t going to help.
Myth #4: I’m only driving a short distance. I’ll be okay.
77.1% of all car crashes occur within ten miles of a driver’s home. Even a short drive can be deadly if you’re driving under the influence.
Myth #5: I’m a good driver, so I’ll be fine.
No matter how good of a driver you think you are, alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely. It blurs vision, weakens coordination and makes it harder to think clearly.
Myth #6: Beer and wine are less powerful than liquor.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of a drink is what makes you drunk, not the type of alcohol. Learn more about the ABCs of BAC.
Myth #7: I only had a few drinks.
There’s no safe amount of alcohol to consume before driving. Even a few drinks can ruin your driving abilities. No two people are the same, but typically, four drinks result in a BAC above .08.
Myth #8: It’s okay to drive if you don’t feel drunk.
Just because you don’t feel drunk, doesn’t mean you aren’t drunk in the eyes of the law.
Myth #9: A few drinks help me relax and drive better.
You should never drink and drive. Any amount of alcohol affects reaction time, coordination, vision and judgment quickly after consumption.
Bottom line, there’s no good reason to drink and drive. If you’re going to be drinking, plan for a safe ride home. Have a designated driver, call a taxi or use a ride-sharing app. There’s no excuse for putting yourself and others at risk.