The internet is full of misinformation. Partially because of this reality, there’s an increasing number of people that believe they can avoid drunk driving charges simply by engaging in a “few simple tricks.”
Simply put, there’s no easy way to avoid a DWI charge besides not driving drunk. As such, you should be properly informed of the following drunk driving myths so that you can proactively choose to ignore them.
Myth #1: Drink coffee to quickly sober up
It’s commonly believed that drinking coffee, tea or energy drinks can quickly sober you up. However, there’s no scientific proof that caffeine will help sober you up. This common myth comes from the fact that alcohol is a depressant and caffeine is an accelerant. In theory, coffee and alcohol could cancel each other out. Yet, the reality is that you’ll likely feel the effects of both. In other words, you’ll likely have a lot more energy from the caffeine, but you’ll likely also have a lower reaction ability. The only thing that results in sobriety is the passage of time.
Myth #2: Always drive slowly to avoid a DWI charge
Truth: One thing people often say is that, if you’re drunk, then you just have to drive slowly. While this may prevent you from causing an accident, that doesn’t mean you won’t be pulled over by law enforcement. Law enforcement officers are trained to be wary of motorists who are driving too slowly because they may be compensating for distraction, fatigue or impairment.
Myth #3: You must do a field sobriety test
Truth: During a traffic stop, you may be asked to do a field sobriety test. These tests help the police judge whether a driver is safe to be on the road. It’s commonly believed that drivers must perform a field sobriety test, however, that isn’t entirely true. Drivers may refuse a field sobriety test without facing criminal charges or penalties. However, due to implied consent laws, drivers may be required to take a breath test or blood test if they have been arrested or risk automatic (and often severe) penalties.
It is important to know your legal rights if you’re facing a DWI charge. Without a strong defense, you could face a criminal conviction that impacts your permanent record and your life more generally for years to come.