Alcohol has a different effect on everyone. So while trying to gauge yourself you may be left wondering, “Am I sober enough to drive?” Theoretically, most adults can drive home after one drink at a restaurant. However, it can be challenging to assess whether you’re sober enough to make good decisions on the road. Obviously, if your sole intent is to drink if you go out, you should have a designated driver or call a cab. Texans should know that driving while intoxicated is illegal and criminally punishable. In the worst case, you could get a $10,000 fine. Also, you could get 2–10 years in jail and have your license taken for two years.
What about other situations? What if you drink a glass of wine during Thanksgiving, and you want to drive yourself home? How do you know for a fact that you’re sober? Most importantly — can you be above the legal limit if you feel sober? Let’s find out!
Sober vs. Legally Intoxicated
In Texas, as well as all other U.S. states, you are legally intoxicated once your blood alcohol level gets to 0.08%. However, this is only an estimate. You may still be breaking the law if your BAC is lower, but the alcohol impacts your driving. In fact, the CDC agency states that intoxication is difficult to assess at its lowest levels. A BAC as low as 0.02% could still impact you in some way.
For example, at 0.02%, the amount of alcohol could relax you. While the amount is small, it might still prevent you from differentiating between two tasks. Furthermore, at 0.05%, alcohol could affect your focus. It won’t make you tip over, but it will produce small changes in your alertness and reaction time.
It’s likely that you won’t feel extremely drunk with a BAC of 0.08%, and you may even believe you’re okay to drive. However, this BAC level can make you feel less inhibited. Also, your memory, focus, and judgment will become impaired. Therefore, it can make you feel less concerned with driving offenses or mistakes. Those errors in judgment could land you in a dangerous situation.
Since everyone reacts differently to drinking, it’s challenging to determine a clear-cut indicator to assure you that you’re sober. What’s more, you’ll never be able to know if you are under, above, or precisely at the legal limit until you get pulled over.
The Gamble
It is never a good idea to drive after consuming alcohol. Drinking can make you feel in control. It can cause a false sense of security and ultimately lead to reckless behavior. A general rule of thumb is not to drive if you feel even the slightest effects of drinking.
If you must take a drink or two, remember that our bodies metabolize one drink per hour. You might feel like you’re good to go if you wait a few hours after drinking, especially if you dilute the alcohol by drinking water. Still, you should assess whether you’re sober enough to drive before picking up your keys anytime you drink.
Still, too many factors can influence the way your body processes alcohol. Food, medications, and other factors will affect the way your body handles alcohol. Ultimately, you shouldn’t drink if you have to drive. The gamble could endanger your safety and your criminal record. Furthermore, it could put your friends, loved ones, as well as other drivers or passersby at risk.
Get Help with A-EZ Out Bail Bonds
It’s best practice not to get behind the wheel if you’re not sober enough to drive. But accidents happen. If you are currently facing DWI or DUI charges and need help getting out of jail, we can help! A-EZ Out Bail Bonds offers fast response times, affordable services, and personalized attention. Contact us today, and we’ll provide you with courteous and responsive service at a moment’s notice.