Misconceptions can lead people to do things they later regret. There are a lot of myths concerning drunk driving.
If you’re going out with friends, you shouldn’t be convinced of these common myths:
Myth 1: Coffee can clear alcohol from the body
Truth: Coffee can make people feel focused and awake after they drink alcohol. However, coffee does not remove alcohol from the body. Drivers who mix coffee and alcohol are not safer.
Myth 2: Driving slow can help avoid drunk driving charges
Truth: The police may spot a drunk driver even if the driver is moving slowly. In fact, driving too slowly can absolutely attract police attention because it’s a sign the driver may be impaired.
Myth 3: You must always answer questions from the police
Truth: The police can gather evidence against drivers by asking questions. Drivers can answer these questions, or they can plead the Fifth. Pleading the Fifth can help protect drivers from self-incriminating comments.
Myth 4: Urine tests are the best chemical sobriety tests
Truth: There are three kinds of chemical sobriety tests: urine, blood and breath. While breath tests are the most convenient because they can be done during a traffic stop, blood tests are usually the most accurate. Urine tests can be the least accurate of the three chemical tests.
Myth 5: Pennies can help pass breath tests
Truth: One of the oldest DWI myths is using a penny to trick breath tests. It’s believed that pennies can either help people pass breath tests or make impossibly inaccurate readings so that an evaluation is not usable. However, pennies don’t affect breath tests.
If you or someone you know is facing DWI charges, it can help to learn how to make a legal defense.
