To drink and drive is a serious offense. The consequences far outweigh the lapse of judgment that some people make. Not only can you suffer serious legal ramifications in Pennsylvania, but also an accident can lead to serious injuries or fatalities for you, your passengers or other drivers on the road. What happens if you had a coffee before the drive? Is it possible that you can avoid a DUI?
Many people believe that if you drink coffee, you sober up quickly. Some will drink a cup of coffee after a night of drinking, with the assumption that they will be safe behind the wheel. This is not the case. In fact, UAMS Health explains that you only feel as though you are sobering up.
Alcohol has a sedative effect. As you drink, your brain processes slow and you start to feel tired. This sets in noticeably towards the end of the night, before you grab your keys and decide to head home. Coffee counteracts the sedative effect of alcohol. This does not mean that you are sober. Instead, it means that you have covered up the sedation.
Your BAC does not reduce when you drink coffee. If an officer pulls you over for a DUI, you may feel as though you were in more control of your faculties than before you drank the coffee, but your BAC will be the same. You will still have a DUI charge. The caffeine in coffee does wake you up; it does not alter the impact that alcohol may have on your reaction time or your judgment.
The above article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be legal advice.
