Some people may believe that it's safe to drive home after just having a drink or two. But this is a mistake. Even just one alcoholic drink can impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle. For Anyone involved in a drunk driving accident, you can call a personal injury lawyer specialized in these types of accidents to represent your interests and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Many drunk driving accidents occur when the driver has only had a few drinks and thinks that they feel fine. Often referred to as buzzed driving, this action can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Any amount of alcohol in your system can slow your react ion time, affect your vision, and impair your critical thinking.
Here, we're taking a closer look at buzzed driving and its relationship with drunk driving and work to answer the question” is buzzed driving just as dangerous as drunk driving? We also offer some tips to help you avoid ever getting behind the wheel after drinking.
What is Buzzed Driving?
We've all heard the term before, but do you know the actual definition of buzzed driving? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), buzzed driving occurs when someone operates a vehicle with alcohol in their system but still under the leg al blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent.
How is Buzzed Driving Different From Drunk Driving?
The difference between buzzed driving and drunk driving all comes down to the amount of alcohol in your system. Throughout the United States, the legal limit for BAC is 0.08 percent. If your BAC is higher than this, it’s considered drunk driving that can be charged with a DUI. If you have alcohol in your system but it’s below the legal limit, this is buzzed driving. Regardless of the difference between these two terms, both acts are extremely dangerous. You should never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol—no matter the amount.
Even just one drink can affect your ability to safely and effectively operate a vehicle. Additionally, since alcohol takes time to metabolize in the body, you may not feel the effects for a while. You could feel fine when you get into your car, but during the drive, the effects of the alcohol take hold. By then, it’s too late to make the right decision.
Is Buzzed Driving Illegal?
The answer to this question is trickier than it may seem. Technically, buzzed driving is not illegal because your BAC is still under the legal limit. Of course, this doesn’t mean buzzed driving is safe in any way and should still never be attempted. However, you can still be pulled over if you are driving buzzed. How does this work?
If you’re buzzed and driving unsafely, a police officer can still pull you over and give you a ticket. However, you’ll most likely be charged with reckless driving in these cases. These are referred to as “wet reckless” charges. In these instances, the driver would be pleading down from DUI to a reckless driving charge with the claim that alcohol in their bloodstream caused them to drive recklessly. While the consequences of a reckless driving charge are less severe than a DUI charge, they are still serious and make a major impact on your finances, driving record, and even your insurance premiums.
How to Avoid Driving Under the Influence
Even if you’ve only had a drink or two and you feel fine, it’s never worth the risk to get behind the wheel. No matter your situation, there are always safer—and smarter—options for finding your way home. So, what are some ways to help you avoid having to ever drive under the influence? Let’s take a look.
· Designate a driver: the easiest way to avoid drunk or buzzed driving is to designate a sober driver before going out. While it may not seem like fun to be the designated driver, it’s always worth it to ensure that you (and your friends) stay safe. Some groups rotate a designated driver to keep things fair.
· Make a plan: drunk driving often occurs when someone has no clear plan on how they’ll get home after a night out drinking. Before leaving home, make sure that you have a clear plan for the end of the night. Whether it’s a designated driver, staying with a friend, or simply calling a taxi, know how you’ll be getting home before you even leave your home.
· Get a ride: in the age of ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, it’s easier than ever to get an affordable ride home. These ridesharing companies operate almost everywhere throughout the country, and with recent changes, have become even safer. Of course, you can also go the traditional route and call or flag down a taxi.
· Stay the night: if you’re at a friend’s house or a party, simply staying the night is always an option that shouldn’t be discounted. It may not sound glamorous, but crashing on the couch for a night is a much better alternative than the dangerous consequences of a drunk driving accident.
· Serve as a role model: by refusing to drive buzzed or drunk, you’re also serving as a positive role model for your friends, family, or children. You may not even realize it, but by setting this example, you’re helping others avoid drunk or buzzed driving and helping to keep our roads safe.
Conclusion – Is Buzzed Driving Just as Dangerous as Drunk Driving?
Buzzed driving occurs when someone operates a vehicle with a BAC between 0.01 percent and 0.07 percent. While this BAC remains within the legal limit, this doesn't mean it's safe. Any amount of alcohol can impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and effectively. While buzzed driving may not be technically illegal, you can still be pulled over and charged with reckless driving.
If you're out drinking, there are many alternatives to drunk driving. Designate a sober driver, have a plan in advance, call a taxi or Uber, or simply stay the night. Any of these options, regardless of the cost or inconvenience, is safer and smarter than ever getting behind the wheel buzzed or drunk.
