Alcohol tosses logic out the door and this often leads people to think they’re still capable of driving. This can inevitably lead to police pulling them over under the suspicion of driving under the influence.
Many drivers don’t want to face the repercussions of their actions and may believe they can pass as sober, but that might not go as planned. Here’s what you should know:
Police may use SFST or breath tests
Police are typically equipped to handle DUI suspects in one of two ways: a standardized field-sobriety test (SFST) or a breath test. Officers have three commonly used SFSTs to evaluate a driver:
- Walk and turn test: The suspect will be asked to walk in a straight line and return where they started
- Horizontal vision test: The suspect will have to keep their vision on a moving point without turning their head
- One-legged stand test: The suspect will need to stay balanced on one leg
SFSTs are often tested by the judgment of the officer. In other words, disabilities or medical conditions can offset the results of these tests, causing many people to be falsely charged with a DUI.
Alternatively, officers may use a breath test to evaluate the blood-alcohol content (BAC). A breath test will pass if the suspected BAC is below 0.08%.
Don’t believe the rumors, you can still get a DUI
People spread rumors all the time and there are possibly no more rumors than ones revolving around drunk driving. It’s often believed there are easy remedies to hide the smell of alcohol or sober up quickly. Here are a few truths about common myths:
- Coffee and a cold shower can’t sober you up fast.
- You may still have to sober up after a nap.
- Alcohol will still be in your system if you eat lots of food.
- Gum, breath mints and mouthwash may contain alcohol and not hide the smell of alcohol.
- Vomiting won’t clear you of alcohol.
- Even light drinks can contain enough alcohol to cause drunk driving.
Even if your closest friend guarantees you won’t get a DUI if you listen to their advice, it may be best to catch a ride home. If you do drive home, you may have a high chance of police pulling you over and may require legal help.