Free Consultation - Call Us Today: 417-720-4800

Criminal Defense Blog

Free Consultation - Call Us Today: 417-720-4800

How one extra drink could land you in DWI hot water

Most people would agree that it is not safe to get behind the wheel after you have had too much to drink. Most people also agree that it is a good practice to have a designated driver if you are planning to spend a night out drinking at a bar or club. Both of these practices aim to protect everyone on the road from accidents due to drunk driving.

The scenario becomes a bit cloudier when it comes to having a drink or two while you are out at dinner or a party, and then you have to drive home after. As the evening and event progresses, it can become more difficult to know “when to say when” and moderate your alcohol consumption in order to get behind the wheel safely when it is time to go home. Here are a few best practices to help keep you and others on the road safe if you are going out for drinks without a designated driver.

1. Know your own limits and alcohol tolerance

The reason it is so difficult to give people a general rule of thumb about how much is too much is because everyone reacts differently to alcohol, and men and women of different heights and weights all have different tolerances for alcohol. In Springfield, as throughout the state of Missouri, law enforcement officers can arrest you if you drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher.

Because each individual will reach a particular blood alcohol level based on different levels of alcohol consumption, it is best for you to pre-determine for yourself how many drinks you can legally consume over what span of time before you may reach a limit that could endanger others.

2. Consider carrying a personal breathalyzer or blood alcohol tester

If you know that you tend to drink when you go out and may be unable to keep your consumption to within legal limits, a good investment may be purchasing your own portable breathalyzer tester, so you can test yourself before you get behind the wheel. These devices are available in a range of budgets, so you can find one that suits your individual needs.

3. Do not drink on an empty stomach; consume alcohol with food

When you pair your drink or drinks with food, the food helps to absorb the alcohol so that it can slow the rate of intoxication. Drinking while eating can also help you consume less alcohol since you are not “drinking just to get drunk.”

These are just a few ideas you can keep in mind during your next night out when you have to drive yourself home. Getting arrested for drunk driving in Missouri can bring on very serious penalties and additional collateral damage that can affect many areas in your life. The next time you have to wonder whether you are sober enough to drive, err on the side of caution by taking a taxi or having a designated driver, and you will be sure to avoid a DWI.

Source

 

Posted in DWI