6 Myths About Drinking and Driving That Could Endanger Your Life

It’s been said that there are no safe amounts of alcohol to drink when you drive, but do you believe that? Online DUI classes teach us that more than half of all fatal car crashes involve at least one driver who has been drinking, but some studies have claimed that it can be done safely. 

This article takes an in-depth look at some myths about drinking and driving that could endanger your life if you choose to believe them.

Myth 1: I can drive when I'm drunk as long as I drink coffee.

It is never safe to drive when you are drunk or tired. Even if you have had a shot of caffeine already, you may still experience microsleeps while on the road. And although these microsleeps only last several seconds, that is enough time to collide with oncoming cars or pedestrians. 

So, if you are fighting the feeling of drowsiness and battling to stay awake, it is best to pull over in a safe location. Take a nap until you feel you have regained enough energy.

Myth #2: I'm only driving a short distance.

The most common misconception people have about drinking and driving is that drinking a small amount of alcohol before driving is okay. It's not. Studies show that drivers who consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel are two times more likely to be in a fatal car crash than sober drivers. 

Just because you're only going a short distance doesn't mean you should drink before you drive. In fact, if you're on your way to the store or from one friend's house to another, just wait until after you've gotten where you need to go or call someone for a ride. You know that DUI fines and auto glass replacement services can be pricey, right? So, always err on the side of caution to avoid these consequences.

Myth #3: I’ll be fine if I take aspirin.

No, you won't be. The aspirin will mask the pain of your injuries, but it won't protect you from serious injury or death if you're in a car crash. 

Research shows that even one drink can impair your ability to drive. If you must take something for the hangover, take ibuprofen instead of aspirin. Ibuprofen is better because it doesn’t cause drowsiness like other medicines.

Myth #4: It's safer to drive drunk than it is to walk drunk.

It can be tempting to think that because you are less likely to get into a crash when driving, it would be safer to drink and drive than if you were walking. This is not true! 

If a driver does not have a designated sober driver, the chances of a car collision are greater. When drinking, motor skills are impaired, making it more difficult for drivers to control their cars. The average person will have a decreased reaction time of 100 milliseconds, which means the possibility of a collision is much higher when driving while intoxicated versus walking while intoxicated.

Myth #5: It won't hurt if I keep drinking slowly while driving.

This is the worst myth of all. When you drink alcohol, it takes 30 minutes for your body to process each unit. This means you’ll be over the legal limit if you have two drinks in one hour! 

This also means that if you think it's okay to keep drinking while driving because your blood alcohol content will go back down gradually, then you're wrong. At this point, your car’s safety features, like your car alarm installation, can’t do so much to help. The more alcohol in your system, the higher your chance of getting into a crash due to bad decision-making skills like taking risks with speed and passing other cars on curves.

Your best bet is to call a cab or ask someone else for a ride home.

Myth #6: My friends are coming with me, so I'll be OK.

Here’s the fact: Your friends can't protect you from a drunk driving crash that may happen. Even if they're in the car with you, they could still get hurt or killed. 

Plus, letting someone under 21 years old drink alcohol in your car is illegal. You can be charged with a DUI just for letting them drink alcohol in your vehicle. So, even if they're not driving, you could still get into trouble. You don't have to drive drunk - find another way to get home safe!