Signs You Are Too Drunk to Drive
According to the United States Department of Transportation, 37 people perish daily in the United States as a result of drunk-driving accidents. Alcohol impairs the ability of the brain to make decisions and physically react in a normal manner. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, under the umbrella of the USDT, the risk of a vehicular crash rises exponentially when the driver has a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08, as depicted in their BAC chart. For this reason, it’s illegal everywhere in the country to drive with a BAC of .08, except in Utah, which caps the level at .05.
If you plan on drinking, you should also plan on having a designated driver or using a rideshare service. However, you should also be aware of the tell-tale signs that you are, or someone you’re with is, too drunk to drive:
- Slurred or Strange Speech – Anybody who is slurring their words is too drunk to drive safely. Moreover, speaking in an unusual manner, such as speaking abnormally quickly or loudly, can also be indicators of being too drunk to drive.
- Balance Difficulties – Anyone who is struggling to maintain their balance is too drunk to drive. This doesn’t mean simply falling down; it can also manifest in the forms of being unable to walk in a straight line or running into chairs or tables. Balance tests are commonly used by law enforcement to test suspected drunk drivers.
- Delayed Reaction Time – Taking a long time to respond to stimuli around you is a good indication of being too drunk to drive safely. Drinking impairs the brain’s ability to react normally, so any person who is unable to respond quickly and reasonably to questions, prompts, or any other manner is too drunk to drive.
- Memory Issues – Drinking can negatively affect short-term memory, which makes driving particularly dangerous. These memory issues may make anyone drinking feel “fuzzy” in memory, lose the ability to focus, and negatively impact their ability to operate a vehicle or navigate home correctly.
Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has an Arizona chapter that provides resources and education for those who were victimized by drunk driving. Per their chart, which details typical drinks and their alcoholic content, it can take up to an hour for the body to process a single alcoholic beverage.
If you are being pulled over for a suspected DUI, follow these steps and call Rideout Law Group right away.
To learn about DUI laws in Arizona, and their consequences, visit our article.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
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At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
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