Common Myths about Alcohol
Myth 1: I'll be okay to drive after a few drinks.
Fact: Becoming impaired mostly depends on how fast you drink, your body's weight and whether you are male or female.
- If you are a 100-lb. female, after one drink, your BAC will reach .05%. At this level, driving is risky because your hand-eye coordination, ability to think clearly, judge, concentrate, and react to traffic situation is reduced. If you have another drink shortly thereafter, your BAC will reach .10%, which is considered impaired and very dangerous.
- If you are a 160-lb. male, after one drink, your BAC will reach about .03%. At this level, your ability to think clearly, multi-task and react to traffic situation is reduced. If you have another drink shortly thereafter, your BAC will reach .05%. At this level, driving is risky because your hand-eye coordination, ability to think clearly, judge, concentrate, and react to traffic situation is reduced. If you have another drink shortly thereafter, your BAC will reach .08%, which is considered impaired driver and very dangerous.
Myth 2: I can sober up if I exercise, take a cold shower or have a cup of coffee.
Fact: The only thing that will lower your BAC level is time. Your body needs time to process the alcohol you consumed. And this time is dependent on the type and the amount of drink you had, your body's weight and the type and amount of food you had, as well as many factors beyond your control.
Myth 3: If I drink just beer, I'll be fine.
Fact: The number of drinks you have is what matters, not the kind of alcohol you drink. Your BAC is what determines how impaired you are. One drink of any kind of alcohol will raise your BAC the same amount.