When some people talk about avoiding drunk driving charges, they act as if it’s a simple process to decide if you’re too impaired to drive. You just need to think before you get behind the wheel. If you’ve had too much to drink and you know you would fail a breath test, it’s best to call a rideshare service or ask a friend for a ride—rather than driving yourself.
But, the problem with this theory is the assumption that people will know if they’re too impaired to drive safely. Researchers have found that the opposite is often true. People who are extremely intoxicated consistently fail to accurately judge their own blood alcohol concentration (BAC). They may think they’re not impaired at all—perhaps because the alcohol itself is clouding their judgment—when they would actually be arrested during a traffic stop.
Why does this happen?
As noted, alcohol makes it difficult for people to make accurate judgments and perceptions, so this can be part of the issue. But another part of the problem is that people often compare themselves to their peers and those around them.
For instance, one person may be drinking alone at a house with their family, where no one else is drinking. With just a slightly elevated BAC, they will feel very impaired because it’s so much different than those they are interacting with.
But someone who is out at a bar or club may have a BAC that is over the legal limit, yet they may think they are not very impaired because everyone around them is heavily intoxicated. This could lead them to believe it’s safe to drive home, even though they are actually risking arrest.
Your defense options
These types of mistakes have serious ramifications. If you do get arrested on DUI charges, be sure you know what defense options you have.