Drinking is a part of American culture. These five common DUI myths related to DUI have become popular over the years as some drivers try to beat the system. It’s important to understand that these drinking myths may be dangerous to your health.
Don’t Worry about DUI Unless Your Blood Alcohol Content is 0.08 Percent
This very popular DUI myth is both dangerous and false. Your blood alcohol content (BAC) at 0.08 percent or higher confirms drunk driving—but it’s possible to be arrested when the officer feels you look or act drunk. If you appear to be driving impaired after drinking, you can be arrested for DUI with or without a confirmed BAC of 0.08 percent or higher!
However, if you’re arrested for DUI in such circumstances, you need a Philadelphia criminal justice lawyer to defend your rights. It may be possible to argue the validity of your test results. An experienced DUI lawyer in Philadelphia can help you to avoid a DUI conviction.
Drive Carefully to Avoid Getting Arrested for Driving Under the Influence
Drinking alcohol impairs your ability to operate a vehicle. Even if you drive carefully, it’s possible to get arrested for drunk driving. Stricter Pennsylvania DUI laws and checkpoints make it more difficult to avoid getting pulled over.
A law enforcement officer may randomly decide to detain you. If you fail the officer’s tests, you could be arrested for driving under the influence.
Police Must Catch You Driving to Make a DUI Arrest
Unfortunately, a police officer doesn’t need to catch you driving drunk behind the wheel. If you believe that’s the case, you’re wrong!
If an officer observes you acting drunk, they’ll reasonably believe you’re driving under the influence. You may still be arrested for DUI.
Eat a Meal or Wait at Least an Hour to Lower BAC Levels
Some believe that eating food or waiting for the alcohol to burn off will lower the BAC level after drinking. Sadly, neither of these options will reliably help you to avoid a DUI.
Eating may help you to overcome some of alcohol’s narcotic effects but doing so won’t affect your BAC. Your BAC is likely to rise to its highest level about an hour after you consume it.
And drinking coffee or taking a cold shower are also unlikely to change your BAC levels after drinking.
Avoid alcohol to avoid a DUI. Ask a designated driver to get behind the wheel. It’s still possible to fail a breathalyzer after consuming one or two drinks!
Suck a Penny to Trick the Breathalyzer
Sucking on a dirty penny won’t improve your chance of passing a chemical test. Unfortunately, this myth has been disproven many times over the years. A breathalyzer device measures air within the lungs. A penny in your mouth won’t help! Law enforcement officers may also look inside your mouth before administering the test.