Most who consider themselves to be law-abiding citizens will, if being totally honest, probably admit that there are certain occasions where people Impaired Driving that are socially acceptable.
Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger if this is true. After all, Happy Hour is almost a national past time – and probably none of the patrons in the bars between five and seven in the evening live there. Virtually all of those relaxing over a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail will soon get in their automobiles and head for home.
Although the rule of thumb for staying within the legal limit for blood alcohol is one drink an hour for an average size person, not many think of themselves as drunk after two beers, no matter how close together they were. However, the truth is that this is more than the law allows.
Of course, many of those who hurry home with no stop-overs still have a glass of wine (which is very easy to top off) or a beer while making dinner. And then, if at the last minute a quick trip to the local store for a missing ingredient is needed, do they hesitate? Most do not, and they don’t walk there, either, but take the car so the errand is as fast as possible.
Weddings are another notorious venue for over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages. Although every one arrives sober, there are almost invariably open bars for the reception. Although these may be closed during dinner, there is generally a choice of white, red, or rose wine to complement the food. Since the hotel or restaurant – or the caterer – makes a profit off each bottle of wine sold, the staff is assiduous in refilling glasses that are less than a third full.
Even if people know perfectly well that they are not sober, the temptation to get home after the midnight hour can be so strong that most hope to get there without attracting the notice of the highway patrol. This is why so many book a room in the hotel after the party, so the temptation to drink and drive won’t triumph when judgement is impaired.
Other traditional gatherings where a little too much alcohol is usual are: Super Bowl parties, poker nights, twenty-first birthday parties, gourmet dinners where carefully chosen wine is served with each course, and retirement parties. Add a few others to the list from personal experience.
Everyone knows that there are certain occasions when people drink and drive, risking a DUI at the least and an accident at worst. Although all may know what the law and strict common sense require, many still conform to the rules of society rather than the rules of the road. The risks that are run on a daily basis lie behind the statistics that make drinking even more of a hazard than speeding.
Impaired Driving considered to be criminal assault, hire a DUI lawyers maintain a clean criminal record.