7 Signs You’re Too Drunk to Drive: Slurred speech, balance problems, slowed reaction time, unusual speech, recall issues, failed sobriety test, and phone apps to check your BAC. As a safety advocate, it’s crucial to recognize when it’s unsafe to get behind the wheel. Alcohol impairs your ability to drive, putting yourself and others at risk. Don’t take chances – always have a designated driver or use ride-share services like Uber or Lyft. Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix.
As a car blogger and someone who has had a fair share of experiences with alcohol, I know just how important it is to be responsible when it comes to getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking. Driving under the influence is never worth the risk, and it’s crucial to know when you’ve had too much to drink. Here are seven indicators that you or your friend can use to determine if you’ve had too much alcohol to drive:
Slurred Speech
One of the most common signs that you’re drunk is slurred speech. When you’ve had too much to drink, your mouth muscles become relaxed, and you start to have difficulty articulating your words. Your speech becomes slow and slurred, and you might also have trouble pronouncing certain words. If you notice that you’re having trouble speaking clearly, it’s a good indication that you’ve had too much to drink and shouldn’t drive.
Difficulty with Balance
Another obvious sign that you’ve had too much to drink is difficulty with balance. Alcohol affects the central nervous system, which leads to a loss of balance and coordination. If you find that you’re stumbling, swaying or having trouble standing upright, you’re definitely not in the right condition to be driving.
Tip: Try standing with your feet together and your arms extended out from your sides. If you’re having trouble maintaining your balance, it’s time to call a cab or arrange for a sober friend to take you home.
Slowed Reaction Time
Alcohol affects your reaction time and reflexes, making it more challenging for you to respond quickly to situations that arise on the road. If you find that you’re having trouble reacting quickly, you might have had too much to drink to be driving.
Unusual Speech Patterns
Along with slurred speech, drinking too much can also cause unusual speech patterns. You might start to speak loudly, use unusual inflections, or repeat things that you’ve already said. If your speech is starting to sound strange and unfamiliar to those around you, then it’s time to call it a night.
Impaired Memory and Recall
Alcohol affects your memory and cognitive function, making it harder for you to recall important details, like where you parked your car or how to get home. If you find that you’re having trouble remembering things, or can’t figure out how to get home, you’ve most likely had too much alcohol to drive.
Failing a Field Sobriety Test
If you get pulled over by the police after consuming alcohol, you might be asked to perform a field sobriety test. These tests are designed to check your balance, coordination, and reaction time. If you fail these tests, it doesn’t bode well for you, and it’s a clear sign that you shouldn’t be driving.
Tip: The best course of action if you’re asked to perform a field sobriety test is to be honest with the police officer and polite. Failing the test doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be arrested, and cooperation is key.
Utilizing Phone Apps to Ensure Safety
In today’s age of smartphones and mobile apps, there are a variety of tools available to help you make informed decisions about driving after drinking. Several apps are available that can help you estimate your blood alcohol content (BAC) based on the number of drinks you’ve consumed, your weight, and other factors.
Tip: Some of the most popular apps include ‘AlcoDroid’ and ‘Breathometer.’ However, keep in mind that these apps are not 100% accurate, and the only surefire way to avoid drinking and driving is to not get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
In conclusion, it’s important to know your limits when drinking alcohol, and to be responsible when it comes to driving. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s better to be safe than sorry and find an alternative means of transportation. Remember that you’re not only putting yourself in danger when driving under the influence, but also putting others on the road at risk. Don’t take the chance, and always err on the side of caution.