Buzzed driving occurs when a person drives after consuming alcohol but is not necessarily intoxicated. An individual consumes some alcohol, which could cause some level of impairment. Some drivers are still at a high risk of causing an accident in these situations. When should you stop drinking if you
plan to drive?
Drink and Do Not Drive
Buzzed driving occurs when a person’s blood alcohol concentration is .01 to .07. In most states, this is within the legal limit. However, it doesn't mean you are capable of driving.
Impairment can occur even at this lower stage in some people. For this reason, it is essential to make one decision for yourself and others on the road with you. If you consume even one drink, do not drive. The person who is the designated driver should not have even a single beer. This helps minimize any risks.
Know the Risks of Buzzed Driving
A person who is driving like this will have some awareness of their risk. For example, you may feel good. After one or two drinks, you may be a bit happier. You may not be stumbling. You may not be tipsy in any way. But, there is a change in fine motor skills. For example, you may find walking a bit off. You may feel as though you can carry on a conversation. However, many people will have a delay in their reaction time even at this level.
The risks here include:
- Less ability to react fast enough when operating a car
- Less likely to be able to focus on the road ahead of you
- More likely to use a phone or chat with friends
- More likely to speed behind the wheel
- More likely to be overconfident in yourself and your driving abilities
When a person consumes even this small amount of alcohol, changes in their makeup occur. It is very common for people to experience mild but present changes in their body without getting outright drunk. It is these changes that put you and your family at risk.
Remember buzzed driving can still cause an accident. And, it can still lead to increased costs on your auto insurance. In some situations, buzzed driving can be a warning to your car insurance company that you may drive under the influence and break the law in the future. Avoid these risks. If you have a drink, do not get behind the wheel.
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