Can I Have One Drink and Be Safe To Drive?
Every state has laws in place that define what it means to be “legally drunk.” Being “legally drunk” means having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that meets or exceeds the legally set limit. In Florida, the legal alcohol limit for driving is a BAC of 0.08%. In Florida, if a driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher, they are prohibited from getting behind the wheel. Operating a vehicle in Florida with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is a crime that can result in harsh consequences. Additionally, operating a car with a BAC of 0.08% is risky and can have severe consequences for everyone on the road. According to the NHTSA, every day, more than 30 people in the United States are killed in drunk-driving accidents. In 2022 alone, more than 13,500 people died in alcohol-impaired driving accidents.
Given the legal alcohol limit is 0.08%, many drivers usually wonder if it is safe to have one drink and drive. So, can you have one drink and be safe to drive? NO. While one drink does not usually get a person to the legal drinking limit, any amount of alcohol can impact your ability to operate your vehicle safely. Just one drink can result in you causing an accident. Read on to learn more.
How Alcohol Affects Drivers
Alcohol reduces the function of the brain. It impairs reasoning and muscle coordination. Alcohol can also affect;
- Reaction times
- Vision
- Concentration
- Awareness
As the alcohol level rises in a driver’s system, its negative effects increase. A BAC of 0.08% or higher significantly increases the risk of accidents. However, even a tiny amount of alcohol can make it unsafe to drive. Many people are killed in drunk driving-related crashes where a motorist has a BAC of 0.01% to 0.07%.
Even One Drink Can Affect Your Ability To Drive Safely
Most drivers who drink alcohol have driven after having at least one drink. According to the American Addiction Centers, about 65% of drivers believe they are okay to drive after taking one or two drinks. However, this is not true. One drink can still affect a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. It is vital to note that you become impaired even before you start feeling “buzzed.” While you may “feel” sober, alcohol might still be affecting you and impacting your judgment. Even one drink is enough to cause problems with your vision, coordination, and reaction time.
Regardless of your weight, impairment will kick in at some point during your first drink. However, light people are likely to become more impaired after one drink. Other factors that can impact how fast or slow the body metabolizes alcohol include;
- Age
- How fast you drink
- Other medications and substances
- Whether you have eaten
Legal Help Is Available
If you are hurt in a drunk driving-related accident, you should contact an attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. Victims of drunk driving-related accidents have the right to recover compensation for their injuries and damages from the drunk driver. Our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here for you.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
