Can I Have Just One Drink and Be Safe to Drive?

David Muñoz | January 12, 2024 | Car Accidents

Can I Have Just One Drink and Be Safe to Drive?

After a long workweek, you may be eager to have a great time. You and your friends plan an exciting night out. You all drive to a well-loved bar and soak in the fun vibes. You’re careful, so you stick to just one beer. You know drunk driving is dangerous. 

But as the evening ends and you head back to your car, you wonder: “Can I drive safely after just one drink?” The simple answer? No, you can’t. Keep reading to find out why.

Even a Little Alcohol Affects Your Driving

Alcohol starts impacting your driving sooner than you might realize. This subtle impairment is what makes it risky to drive after drinking. You may feel sober, but your ability to judge and coordinate could be impaired.

In California, being charged with a DUI doesn’t just hinge on crossing the legal blood alcohol limit. If a police officer believes your driving is noticeably impaired, you could face a DUI. 

It’s wiser to err on the side of caution: if you plan to drink, arrange a different way to get home. Consider public transportation, a designated driver, or a rideshare. This helps keep you safe and away from potential legal issues.

What Are the Dangers of Drinking and Driving?

Alcohol affects your driving, even if it’s just a little. You start getting worse at driving from your first drink. More drinks mean more trouble.

Your gender, weight, and health change how fast alcohol hits you. But, even one drink makes driving risky.

  • After 1 Drink (about 0.02% BAC): You’re worse at doing two things at once. You might not see cars or people well.
  • After 2 Drinks (about 0.05% BAC): Moving and reacting gets harder. Things like steering or stopping quickly are tougher.
  • After 3-4 Drinks (about 0.08% BAC): This is legally drunk. You can’t judge speed or stay in your lane as well. You get easily distracted.
  • After 5-6 Drinks (about 0.10% BAC): Your brain slows down. It’s hard to steer, speed up, or brake.
  • After 6+ Drinks (about 0.15% BAC): You can’t think, see, or move well. You might not understand what’s happening.

Some people think one or two drinks don’t change how they drive or that they can drive fine after drinking. This is not true and very dangerous. Driving after drinking is a risk to you and others. If you know someone who thinks they can drive after drinking, tell them it’s a bad idea. You could save lives.

DUI Arrests and Convictions in California

When you’re driving in California, you’re automatically agreeing to tests like breath, blood, or urine if a police officer suspects you of DUI. 

Even if you’ve done a preliminary breath test, you might still have to take a blood or urine test, especially if drugs are suspected. Refusing these tests can lead to the DMV suspending or revoking your driving privilege. After a DUI arrest, the DMV will suspend your license as required by the Administrative Per Se law. 

If you end up convicted of a DUI, the consequences extend further. The DMV will either suspend or revoke your license. You’ll be required to complete a DUI program, obtain SR 22/SR 1P insurance, and pay any necessary fees for license reissue or restriction. Additionally, you may need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. 

Other potential penalties include jail time, fines, vehicle impoundment, and storage fees. If your DUI resulted in injury or death, you might face civil lawsuits. 

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable For DUI Accidents in San Diego, CA

Drunk driving is never okay. It can hurt people or, even worse, take lives. The person driving drunk should be held responsible. This goes beyond just breaking the law. It’s about the damage they’ve done.

Our San Diego car accident lawyers have seen many drunk driving cases. Drunk drivers often make excuses, trying to blame others for their choices.

If you were involved in a DUI crash, you may need help recovering fair compensation for financial, emotional, and physical losses. But healing is important, too. Let us handle the legal issues. Call us anytime. Your first talk with us is free.

Contact the San Diego Car Accident Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000