“32 people in the United States are killed every day in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver—this is one death every 45 minutes.” Impaired driving is an important public health problem, CDC source (2020).

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious problem, with possible dire consequences. And to make matters worse, many misconceptions about drunk driving can lead to dangerous behavior. It’s important to dispel these myths about drunk driving before you get behind the wheel or face extreme DUI cases.

Here, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about drunk driving so you can stay informed and make safe decisions. When it comes to alcohol understanding some facts may result in saving your own life and others.

Common Myths About Drunk Driving (DUI) – Impaired Driving

Myth #1: Only hard liquor will get you drunk

It’s easy to assume that only hard liquors like vodka, whiskey, and rum can get you drunk, but this isn’t true.

Beer, wine, and other mixed drinks can contain just as much alcohol as a shot of hard liquor. In fact, many people can become just as intoxicated from one beer as they would from a shot of hard liquor.

So, it’s important to remember that no matter what type of alcoholic beverage you choose, it’s the amount of alcohol you consume that will determine how intoxicated you are.

Myth #2: Coffee will sober you up

The myth that drinking coffee will sober you up is one of the most commonly believed myths about drunk driving. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous. While caffeine can make you feel more alert, it does not counteract the effects of alcohol on the body. Drinking coffee while impaired won’t help you drive any better and could put you in even more danger.

Alcohol affects your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, all of which are essential for safe driving. Caffeine cannot reverse these impairments, so even if you drink a cup of coffee after a few drinks, you’re still just as impaired as before. You’re simply fooling yourself into thinking you’re sober enough to drive.

If you’ve been drinking, the safest option is to have someone else drive. Even if you have radar detectors installed in your vehicle, know that no amount of coffee can make up for the risks of drunk driving.

Myth #3: Walking it off will help

Another myth is that if you’ve been drinking and want to avoid a DUI, you must walk it off, this is in fact incorrect. Walking can help you sober up some, but your blood alcohol level will still be too high to drive legally.

Walking can also be dangerous when someone is intoxicated. Being under the influence of alcohol can cause impaired balance and coordination, making it difficult for someone to walk in a straight line or negotiate uneven surfaces safely. This could lead to an accident that might cause serious injury or death.

If you’ve been drinking, don’t harm yourself or others by walking home. Instead, call a friend or use a rideshare service to get home safely.

Myth #4: I’m fine to drive; I only had a few drinks

This old adage is among the most common myths about drunk driving. Some say that it’s okay to drive if you only had a few drinks. When it comes to drinking and driving this is unsafe. Even having one or two drinks can significantly impair your judgment and motor skills, increasing your risk of getting into an accident or committing a traffic violation.

It is important to understand that there is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed before driving. The effects of alcohol vary depending on factors such as weight, age, gender, and amount of food eaten before drinking. Therefore, knowing exactly how many drinks will impair your ability to drive is impossible.

Don’t Drink and Drive!

When it comes to drunk driving, it’s vital to be informed. Knowing the truth about these misconceptions is key to making better decisions. Don’t be so sure when it comes to impaired driving. 

Author Bio:

Victoria Brown currently works as the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan. Her experiences with DUI cases in the past have inspired her to spread awareness about DUI laws in the United States.