People state facts that they’re positive about all the time, especially when it comes to driving under the influence. The truth is, however, many beliefs about drunk driving have no scientific backing.
The next time a friend tells you “it’s ok to drive after having a drink, all you have to do is follow these steps” you might consider otherwise. Here’s what you should know:
Myth 1: Drinking coffee can sober you up
Truth: Coffee is a stimulant. When you drink coffee you feel more alert because your brain activity is raised. However, alcohol is a depressant, which lowers your brain functions and motor controls.
In theory, the combination of coffee and alcohol would cancel each other out, but the truth is more revealing. Coffee masks alcohol impairment and doesn’t affect your motor controls and reaction speeds.
Myth 2: The bigger you are, the more alcohol you can handle
Truth: There may be no correlation between body mass and how much alcohol someone can drink. Their metabolism may be just as strong as anyone else, or, in other words, they may be just as drunk as the next person. Even if someone may believe that they can handle more alcohol due to their size, that doesn’t give them any reason to drive.
Myth 3: Cold water and air can reduce the effects of alcohol
Truth: Just like coffee, cold water and fresh air can give the feeling of alertness, but this feeling can quickly fade. Your best bet to sober up is to let time pass.
Myth 4: You’ll be sober in the morning
Truth: You may still not be sober after you wake up. It takes up to six hours for the blood to filter alcohol out of your system. Your breath, urine and saliva may take anywhere between 12 and 24 hours before there’s little to no trace of alcohol on you.
Myth 5: You just have to drive slowly
Truth: Slow drivers are just as dangerous as driving the speed limit or speeding while under the influence of alcohol. Driving slow may even be a key indicator to police that you’re doing something you shouldn’t be.
Alcohol lowers your critical thinking skills, causing many of these myths to seem truthful. If you’re facing a DUI, you may need to know your options.
