Can You Drink and Avoid the DUI Laws

By Cary Bergeron
Because everyone's bodies are different and the law needs a place to draw the line, drunk driving laws in every state have a set blood alcohol content level that is considered "drunk driving." This is .08 in most states. However, many people can be drunk with levels far below this, and the amount of alcohol it takes to reach the "legal limit" according to DUI laws varies from person to person. For this reason, it is best to never drive after drinking.

When does impairment begin? We know that .08 is an unsafe level because once blood alcohol content reaches this point drivers are 11 times more likely to be involved in a car accident. However, what about a blood alcohol content of .02? Is this considered "safe" to drive?

When researchers look at blood alcohol levels to determine what is safe, participants with blood alcohol levels of .02 are already showing a loss of judgment. This is the point where alcohol helps you to relax and enjoy yourself. You do not yet feel drunk, but you are able to party a little harder. However, when you step behind the wheel of a car, you will suffer from lowered visual functions. You will also find it difficult to multitask. This means that simply reaching down to turn on the radio while you are driving could be too difficult for you, causing you to be in a crash.

What about a couple more drinks? Let's say that your blood alcohol content increases to .05. At this level, you can expect to see exaggerated actions, inability to focus your eyes quickly, less alertness, less inhibition, and more impaired judgment. Your coordination is greatly reduced, which is particularly dangerous when you are driving. Your response in an emergency situation is going to be very slow, putting those around you at severe risk. Yet at .05 you are still far below the legal DWI limit.

The good news for other people on the road is that most states have DUI laws that allow the officer at the scene of a crime to arrest you for DUI even if your blood alcohol content level is less than .08. Of course, many drivers are able to get out of these convictions with a skilled DUI attorney, but this will require quite a bit of money out of your pocket, and you will still live with the consequences of causing an accident. If you are going to drink, designate a driver. Even just one or two drinks can severely limit your ability to function behind the wheel of a vehicle.
To find out more about DUI Laws be sure to visit http://www.DUIConsequences.com Also if you are looking for Pennsylvania DUI Laws our site has that too.

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