It is generally illegal to drive after drinking. Despite widespread awareness of drunk driving regulations, impaired driving is a relatively common offense in Southwestern Michigan. Motorists might assume that they have enough skill to manage their vehicles safely despite being under the influence in some cases. Other times, they may legitimately struggle to estimate their level of impairment. People who believe they are more sober than they actually are could be at risk of a drunk driving charge.
How is it possible that many people fail to recognize their own inebriation?
Alcohol affects judgment
People who have had too much to drink have compromised cognitive capabilities. They can very easily struggle to gauge their own intoxication. Many people who are visibly drunk tell others that they are still sober.
Handheld tests can mislead drivers
Drivers who regularly enjoy alcohol might purchase personal breath tests as a way of sidestepping this risk. Unfortunately, portable breath test devices frequently return inaccurate results. A simple failure to calibrate the device can make it unreliable.
Recent research even shows that they may underestimate an individual’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), resulting in people believing they are able to drive safely when they are actually over the limit. Additionally, the slow metabolization of alcohol after consuming it can lead to a driver’s BAC continuing to rise even after they perform the test.
Particularly in cases wherein motorists have made good-faith attempts to ensure they were sober enough to drive safely and legally, they may be in a position to fight back against drunk driving allegations successfully. Reviewing one’s situation leading to impaired driving charges with a legal professional can help motorists to better understand their options and begin preparing a defense strategy accordingly.