Many drivers who get stopped by the police on suspicions of impairment have tried to be responsible. People who regularly enjoy alcohol often do their best to gauge their intoxication and make smart choices about when they drive.
Unfortunately, not all the information shared by the public about alcohol and driving is accurate. Some people believe incorrect information and urban legends that may increase their risk of facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges.
What popular misinformation might leave drivers particularly vulnerable in this way?
The idea that sucking pennies fools breath tests
It is illegal to drive while noticeably under the influence. It is also illegal to drive with an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Drivers who may have developed a tolerance to alcohol may trust in their ability to drive but may fear that they could fail a breath test. People have long said that sucking on copper pennies can help an individual pass a breath test. There is no scientific evidence that validates the idea that sucking on pennies can help people pass a breath test.
The belief that coffee sobers people up quickly
People who have had one too many drinks while out for dinner or at a party often try to sober up before they drive home. Instead of giving themselves time to metabolize the alcohol they consumed, people may simply drink a few cups of coffee. Many people claim that caffeine or coffee in particular can help people digest alcohol more quickly. This urban legend also has little basis in reality. Coffee can help people temporarily feel more alert. However, caffeine does not affect blood alcohol levels in any meaningful way.
The assumption that counting drinks is enough
Many people assume that they can avoid DUI charges by monitoring their alcohol intake. They try to limit the number of drinks that they consume. Counting drinks can help, but limiting the number of beverages consumed does not automatically prevent an individual from developing an elevated BAC. Factors including how strong the drinks are, how much an individual has had to eat and how much time they give themselves to digest the drink after consuming it all influence whether or not they are likely to pass or fail a chemical test during a traffic stop.
Those facing DUI charges may need help developing a criminal defense strategy based on the details of their circumstances, and that’s okay. With the right support, it is often possible for people to successfully defend against pending DUI charges.