People who regularly enjoy alcoholic beverages typically do their best to be responsible. They want to avoid scenarios in which they might violate the law and risk driving under the influence (DUI) charges. Even those who have a relatively high alcohol tolerance can face prosecution if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches a certain point.
Some people use personal breath tests to check their alcohol levels, but devices aren’t necessarily accessible to everyone. Another tactic people commonly utilize is to count their drinks. How many alcoholic beverages can an individual enjoy before they are at risk of a DUI?
Many factors influence drink limits
Every person handles alcohol differently. Some people can enjoy multiple beverages without displaying any signs of impairment. Others may find that they struggle to tolerate even a single beer or mixed drink.
The factors that influence how people handle alcoholic beverages include their sex, weight and age. What they have eaten recently can also influence their tolerance for alcohol, as can prescription medications that they take.
It is therefore relatively difficult to accurately determine how many beverages an individual can enjoy without going over the legal limit after leaving a bar, restaurant or party. However, the most foolproof way to ensure you do not get in trouble for drinking and driving would be to have a designated sober driver and to make plans for getting home safely in advance.
Women typically reach the limit more quickly than men do. The strength of the beverages can also be an important consideration. One bartender might make a drink far stronger than a customer anticipates, for example.
It is generally advisable to not drink and drive. Unfortunately, even people who do their best to follow the law and prioritize safety on the road can end up making mistakes that lead to their arrest.
Those facing DUI charges may have opportunities to defend themselves depending on the circumstances leading to their arrest. Reviewing the state’s evidence and what happened before a driver got behind the wheel with a skilled legal team can help people evaluate different options for fighting pending DUI charges.