Our expert Drink Driving Lawyers, Neil Sargeant and Gillian Forrest have over 35 years combined experienced defending clients against drink driving charges. In that time they have heard many drink driving myths and misconceptions and we compiled a list of the top 15 below:
1. Myth: Coffee Can Sober You Up
Contrary to popular belief, consuming coffee or other caffeinated beverages does not expedite the elimination of alcohol from the body. Time remains the only factor that allows the body to metabolize and expel alcohol.
2. Myth: Only “Drunk” Drivers Are Dangerous
Even if a driver is not visibly intoxicated, any amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time. Hence, the notion that only visibly drunk individuals pose a danger on the road is a dangerous misconception.
3. Myth: Eating a Hearty Meal Before Drinking Prevents Intoxication
Despite the belief that a substantial meal can absorb alcohol and prevent intoxication, it’s a myth. While food can slow down the absorption of alcohol, it doesn’t eliminate the effects. The rate at which alcohol enters the bloodstream remains a key factor, and overindulgence can still lead to impairment.
4. Myth: Cold Showers or Fresh Air Can Sober You Up Quickly
Some may think that a cold shower or exposure to fresh air can rapidly sober someone up. However, these methods do not expedite the elimination of alcohol from the body. Sobriety is primarily dependent on the body’s metabolic rate, and time is the only effective means of achieving it.
5. Myth: Prescription Medications Nullify the Effects of Alcohol
Another misconception is that prescription medications can counteract the effects of alcohol. In reality, mixing alcohol with certain medications can intensify its impact or lead to adverse reactions. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional about the potential interactions between alcohol and any prescribed drugs.
6. Myth: Small Amounts of Alcohol Pose No Risk While Driving
Some individuals believe that consuming small amounts of alcohol doesn’t impair their ability to drive. However, any amount of alcohol can affect cognitive functions and reaction times. Even below the legal limit, driving may still be unsafe, emphasising the importance of responsible choices.
7. Myth: Breath Fresheners or Chewing Gum Mask Alcohol Breath
Many think that using breath fresheners or chewing gum can mask the smell of alcohol on the breath. While these measures may temporarily cover the scent, they don’t alter blood alcohol levels or fool breathalyser tests. Law enforcement can still detect alcohol consumption through proper testing methods.
8. Myth: Home Remedies Can Beat a Breathalyser Test
Various home remedies, such as eating mints, drinking water, or using mouthwash, are believed by some to help pass a breathalyzer test. However, these tactics are ineffective, as breathalyzers are designed to measure the alcohol content in the breath, not to be influenced by external factors.
9. Myth: Drinking Coffee Before Bed Helps Sober You Up
Some believe that having a cup of coffee before going to bed after drinking can help sober them up. However, this is a myth. The caffeine in coffee might make you feel more alert, but it doesn’t reduce the alcohol concentration in your system. The body needs time to metabolize and eliminate alcohol, and no amount of coffee can hasten this process.
10. Myth: Cold Weather or Fresh Air Eliminates Alcohol Faster
It’s a common belief that exposure to cold weather or fresh air can speed up the elimination of alcohol from the body. In reality, external environmental factors have little impact on the metabolic processes responsible for breaking down alcohol. The body’s internal mechanisms, unaffected by external conditions, determine the rate of alcohol elimination.
11. Myth: Talking on the Phone While Driving is as Dangerous as Driving Under the Influence
While distracted driving is undoubtedly dangerous, equating it to the impairment caused by alcohol is a misconception. Studies show that the cognitive impairment from talking on the phone while driving is not on par with the effects of alcohol. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that any distraction on the road poses risks and should be minimised. See our page on Dangerous Driving for more information.
12. Myth: Personal Tolerance Levels Determine Safe Drinking and Driving
Some individuals believe that their personal tolerance levels dictate how much they can drink and still drive safely. Personal tolerance, though influenced by factors like weight and metabolism, doesn’t change the fundamental impact of alcohol on cognitive and motor skills. The legal limits are set to establish a standardised measure to ensure public safety.
13. Myth: Breathalysers Are Always Accurate
While breathalysers are valuable tools for law enforcement, they are not infallible. Various factors, such as calibration, user error, or medical conditions, can affect their accuracy. It’s crucial to recognize that breathalyser results may provide an estimate of blood alcohol levels, but they are not foolproof.
By dispelling these myths and misconceptions, we aim to promote a more informed and responsible approach to alcohol consumption, particularly concerning its impact on driving safety.
14. Myth: Drinking Two Drinks is Fine and Doesn’t Risk Being Over the Limit
Some individuals mistakenly believe that consuming only two drinks is safe and won’t push them over the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, the impact of alcohol varies based on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and individual tolerance. Even a small amount of alcohol can influence cognitive functions and reaction times, putting the driver at risk. It’s essential to recognize that the legal BAC limit is set to ensure public safety, and any alcohol consumption contributes to impairment.
15. Myth: Driving the Morning After Drinking Is Always Safe
There’s a common misconception that driving the morning after a night of drinking is always safe because the effects of alcohol have worn off. While it’s true that the body metabolises alcohol over time, it doesn’t guarantee complete sobriety by the next morning. Factors like the amount of alcohol consumed, individual metabolism, and the type of beverages consumed play a role. It’s possible to still have an elevated BAC the morning after, posing a risk to safe driving.
By dispelling these myths, we aim to promote a better understanding of the complex nature surrounding alcohol consumption and driving safety.
Neil Sargeant
https://www.motoringdefencesolicitors.co.uk/about/neil-sargeant/Neil has specialised in road traffic law since 2008 and has worked in the UK’s leading motoring defence law firms which include 2 previous departments he had started and managed himself.
