People who are out drinking with friends may be told to splash cold water on their faces to sober up before driving. People who do this may momentarily feel more aware of their surroundings, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe to drive. This is a common myth and the feeling of being alert is temporary.
This myth and many more can lead to DUI charges. Here are some more myths that drivers should avoid:
1. Driving slowly will protect you from DUI charges
Some people think drunk driving is only dangerous if they recklessly drive. As a result, drunk drivers may slow their speed to avoid accidents and police suspicion. An accident could still occur from another driver. When the police investigate the accident they may find that the driver is drunk and charge them with a DUI.
2. Coffee removes alcohol from the body
Coffee is an adrenaline and alcohol is a suppressant. People may try to use coffee to alleviate the effects of alcohol thinking the two would counteract each other. However, mixing alcohol and coffee won’t have such effects. It’s more likely that people who mix alcohol and coffee will be worse drivers.
3. There are only three field sobriety tests
A field sobriety test could include a horizontal gaze nystagmus test, a walk-and-turn test or a one-legged stand test. While these are standardized tests, the police can ask drivers to do a series of non-standardized tests. For example, a police officer could ask a driver to list the alphabet backward while touching their toes.
4. You can use a penny to trick breath tests
A breath test is likely the most accurate way to judge whether a driver is inebriated. It is commonly believed that people who suck on pennies when doing breath tests can avoid DUI charges. A penny won’t, however, do anything to help someone pass a breath test.
If you’re facing a DUI charge, then it can help to understand your legal right to a defense.