Just one more.
I’m fine.
I’m a great driver.
It’s just a short drive.
These are just a few of the common excuses people give for driving under the influence.
But misunderstanding the deadly effects of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could be the worst mistake you ever make! Keep reading to understand the facts that debunk 12 of the most common and dangerous DUI myths.
Myth: Coffee Will Sober You Up.
Fact: Caffeine does not affect your impairment level, warns MoniTech.
Myth: Beer and Wine Don’t Impair as Much as Hard Liquor
Fact: Alcohol is still alcohol. A 12 oz beer has as much alcohol as a 1.5 oz whiskey or 5 oz of wine, according to Alcohol Alert.
Myth: Driving Slowly Will Get You Home Safe
Fact: Driving after drinking is unsafe at any speed. In fact, driving too slowly will make you a traffic hazard and could cause a crash.
Myth: Experienced Drivers Can Get By with a Little Impairment
Fact: One drink is enough to impair the judgment and reflexes of experienced drivers.
Myth: Eating Before Drinking Will Lower Your Impairment Risk
Fact: Eating might slow the absorption of alcohol, but doesn’t prevent it. Eating can make you feel alcohol’s effects less quickly, meaning you might end up drinking more.
Myth: A Splash of Cold Water and an Open Car Window Will Help
Fact: These efforts might raise alertness for a few moments, but do not change your impairment level.
Myth: Heavier People Can Handle Their Alcohol Better and Can Safely Drink and Drive.
Fact: Body size does figure into the rate alcohol affects you, but one drink slows motor skills, vision, and judgment for everyone.
Myth: Mouthwash Will Mask Alcohol in a Breathalyzer Test.
Fact: Mouthwash will not mask the smell of alcohol because it contains alcohol. It can even register as “under the influence” on a breathalyzer or vehicle interlock device if you haven’t been drinking.
Myth: You Know Your Limit.
Fact: Most people think “a couple” is the safe limit for what they can drink before driving. But “a couple” can mean different things depending on the size and type of drink, what you’ve had to eat, how tired you are, and of course, your own size, weight, and individual constitution. If an officer decides you’re impaired, you can still get a DUI charge, even if you’re under the legal limit. And if you cause a crash or a death, it doesn’t matter if you had one drink or more.
Myth: A BAC Lower Than .08 is Considered Safe by Experts.
Fact: Safety organizations like the NTSB and the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine now consider .08 to be too high. Many experts now consider .05 BAC a better limit, and quite a few countries use .02 for good reason. Above .02 there is already some deterioration to your coordination, reflexes, and judgment.
If No One Gets Hurt Then it’s Not a Big Deal
Fact: While it’s highly likely that someone will get injured or even killed if you drive while under the influence, even if you avoid causing or incurring injuries, there will still be a heavy price to pay. DUI convictions have serious legal consequences that can affect your whole life. In Florida, DUI convictions can result in jail time of up to two years and fines of up to $5,000.
You Can Only Be Arrested for DUI if You’re Behind the Wheel of a Moving Vehicle. Fact: It’s possible to make the smart decision to avoid driving while under the influence, but still be arrested and charged with DUI. How? You can be charged with a DUI while sleeping in or even near your vehicle if law enforcement decides that you could have had the intent to operate your vehicle while under the influence.
Remember that when driving, a BAC of zero is best, since getting behind the wheel means taking your life and the lives of countless other people into your hands. In addition, when driving under the influence, you’re risking negative consequences such as fines, jail time, and a criminal record that can continue to impact your life and opportunities indefinitely.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Naples, Florida, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help argue your case. Maybe you were arrested for a DUI while in your vehicle but never intended to drive? Maybe you were involved in an accident but were not responsible for all the damages you’re being charged with? Whatever your case, contact Michael M. Raheb by calling 239-226-0888 or by sending a message online.
2423 First Street,
Fort Myers FL 33901
Office: 239-226-0888
Fax Number: 866-949-0888
