What Are the Top Drunk Driving Myths?
Drunk driving is a serious offense, but many people still hold onto misconceptions about it. You might be wondering, What are the top drunk driving myths, and how can they affect your understanding of the law?
There are many myths about drunk driving, including the idea that coffee can sober you up, or that you can only be charged with a DUI if you’re behind the wheel.
With decades of experience in DUI defense, I have seen these myths lead to confusion and false beliefs. In this article, I’ll debunk the most common drunk driving myths and set the record straight on what you really need to know.
1) Refusing a test will prevent you from being arrested
You can still be arrested for a DUI or DWI offence, even if you refuse a breathalyzer test. This is merely up to the discretion of the attending officers.
2) A cold shower can “sober you up”
Often, people who have drank heavily the night before believe that a cold shower will help “sober them up” and prevent being caught for a DUI or DWI offence in Minnesota. However, this is far from the case. Alcohol can still remain in your bloodstream for a number of hours – depending on the number of units you have consumed.
3) Mints or chewing gum can hide the consumption of alcohol
It’s certainly true that chewing gum, mints or using mouthwash can help to disguise the stench of alcohol from a person’s breath but it has no effect on the breathalyzers that police use. In fact, the smell of fresh breath can often indicate that a driver may be intentionally attempting to reduce the effect of alcohol in their system – getting them into more trouble than they already are.
4) Sucking on a penny can negate a breathalyzer test
This particular myth is based upon an urban legend that suggests sucking on copper negates the validity of a breathalyzer test. This, however, has no truth to it whatsoever. In fact, pennies are indeed made of zinc – and not copper!
5) You will be asked to repeat the alphabet (backwards)
There are a number of sobriety tests that law enforcement can take advantage of when judging a person’s suitability to drive. Among those are checking whether persons need to use their arms for balance, follow an object with their eyes, stand on one leg and recite the alphabet (forward!).
Resources:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Drunk Driving Myths (
- MADD – Myths about Drunk Driving
- Minnesota DUI and DWI Information – Department of Public Safety
- American Bar Association – DUI Myths
FAQ
1. Does drinking coffee sober you up?
No, coffee does not sober you up. While caffeine may make you feel more alert, it does not eliminate alcohol from your system. Only time can sober you up. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
2. Can you only be charged with a DUI if you’re behind the wheel?
No, you can be charged with a DUI even if you’re not behind the wheel. Being in physical control of the vehicle, such as sitting in the driver’s seat with the keys, can lead to DUI charges. (MADD – Myths about Drunk Driving).
3. Can DUI cases be won?
Yes, DUI cases can be won. There are several legal defenses, such as questioning the legality of the stop, the accuracy of sobriety tests, or the validity of breathalyzer results. (American Bar Association).
4. Do DUI laws only apply to alcohol?
No, DUI laws apply to both alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications, illegal drugs, and even over-the-counter substances that impair driving. (Minnesota DUI and DWI Information).
5. Can you trick a breathalyzer test?
No, attempting to trick a breathalyzer test is not only ineffective but also illegal. The test measures your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and there are no foolproof methods to alter the results once the test is conducted. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
