Some people arrested for driving under the influence know they drank too much and are simply surprised that the police stopped them. However, many drivers genuinely believe they are sober enough to drive when they get behind the wheel.
The problem is that people are not particularly good at judging their own impairment. Without reliable testing, it can be difficult to know your blood alcohol concentration or recognize how much alcohol has affected your ability to drive.
Counting drinks is not an exact science
While the police have equipment that can accurately measure a driver’s blood alcohol level, most drivers do not. Some have personal breathalyzers, but they are generally less accurate than the testing equipment the police have at the station.
Many of those arrested never even tried to measure their BAC. They just made a subjective judgment about how much they could drink, or how safe to drive they felt. People often believe they can have two or three drinks and be fine. However, a mixed drink poured by a bartender or friend may contain considerably more alcohol than a standard serving. Craft beers and large glasses of wine can also be stronger than expected.
Several factors unique to the individual can also affect how the body absorbs and processes alcohol, including:
- Body size and composition
- Biological sex
- Genetics and metabolism
- Medications
- Whether the person has eaten
- How quickly the drinks were consumed
- Fatigue, illness or dehydration
Another mistake people make is failing to realize that who they are surrounded by can influence how sober they feel. In a room full of very drunk people, someone might feel sober after a few glasses of wine, when they are actually over the limit. If they drank that same amount while surrounded by non-drinkers, they might feel more drunk.
Everyone makes mistakes, and if you made one that led to a DUI charge, it is wise to examine your defense options