Alcohol and motor vehicles are a deadly mix. Your blood alcohol level rises with the first drink, but a few factors influence the effects of alcohol on your ability to drive. Don't rely on folk remedies for wearing off alcohol's effects on driving ability--they don't work.
Blood Alcohol Levels
With the first drink, your blood alcohol level begins to rise. In some states, legal impairment begins with a blood alcohol level of .05. If you weigh around 100 pounds, your blood alcohol level can quickly reach .04 with the first drink (National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information).
Alcohol and Drugs
If you are on any kind of prescription medication (including antibiotics) or over-the-counter medication, don't mix it with alcohol. According to MayoClinic.com, alcohol can intensify the effects, counteract the medication or cause a severe reaction. All of this causes a problem for an intoxicated driver.
Impaired Driving Abilities
Alcohol impairs your driving abilities, both conscious and instinctive. Your visual judgment, braking ability, steering, night vision, distance, speed, reaction time if another car makes a sudden move--all the instincts and reactions you take for granted are impaired by alcohol (Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, WVA University).
Type of Drink
Some drinks hit faster than others. Carbonated alcohol (such as beer and similar drinks) passes into the bloodstream more quickly, so a person's blood alcohol level rises faster (Students Teaching Alcohol & Other Drug Responsibility: UCSB Peer Health Interns).
Misconceptions
Cold showers and hot coffee don't wake you up or get the alcohol out of your body any faster. The alcohol has to come out of your body on its own--that takes time. Don't drink and drive (Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, WVA University).
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