Drinking alcohol causes us to lose our fundamental abilities to drive a vehicle. This is because alcoholic drinks act on our central nervous system, generating different alterations, depending on the volume of alcohol present per litre of blood. It is important to emphasize that, even with less than 0.3 per litre – the minimum to be considered under the effects of alcohol- one already loses specific psychic and motor skills.
There are three consumption patterns:
- Low-risk consumption: corresponds to a standard drink on the same day. It is the safest level of consumption.
- Intense consumption: corresponds to the consumption of more than 4 drinks on the same day. This level is already considered risky for health, but it is not yet found as a disorder.
- Harmful consumption: in this case, it is a consumption that requires medical treatment after the diagnosis of alcohol dependence.
What Does The Law Say About Alcohol And Drugs Behind The Wheel?
In the USA, it is forbidden to drive with a Breathalyzer rate above 0.5 gr / l of blood alcohol (0.25 mg / l in exhaled air), an amount that is reduced to 0.3 gr / l (0, 15 mg / l) in the case of novice and professional drivers. Exceeding this rate by more than 0.25 gr / l and up to 0.50 mg / l carries an administrative penalty with a liable and immediate impaired driving charge.
The law is demanding in this regard and prohibits driving with the presence of alcohol and prohibited drugs in the body. It is considered a very serious offence punishable by a penalty and the withdrawal in the driving license.
Also, in the case of driving after ingesting toxic drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances carries a prison. It should also be borne in mind that the refusal to submit to alcohol and drug tests is also punishable by imprisonment from six months to one year and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
The Effects Of Alcohol And Drugs On Driving
It is proven that the combination of alcohol and driving is not an excellent travel companion because it reduces the ability to drive. When alcohol is absorbed into the blood, the reactions and movements are slower. The difficulty of concentration increases, drowsiness, muscle fatigue, coordination problems, disturbances in the perception of our surroundings, vision and hearing system and prevents correctly calculating the distances. Consequently, whoever drives after drinking alcohol is exposed to a high risk of causing an accident. Specifically, the risk of a traffic accident is multiplied by 25 when the presence of alcohol in the body.
The effects of drugs on driving vary depending on the substance taken: cannabis, marijuana, hashish, cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy are the most frequent. In general, they alter colours, distort perception, and produce stimulation, aggressiveness, mood swings, drowsiness and relaxation, and lack of concentration. These alterations have their consequences at the wheel, putting their own lives and those of other users at risk. For example, they reduce the ability to react and make decisions, and cause excessive confidence, loss of reflexes, disorientation, glare, blurred vision and decreased fatigue. All these effects, both by alcohol and drugs, are enhanced if some medication is also consumed.
Understanding the reasons behind these laws highlights the importance of complying with them and the broader impact of impaired driving on society.
If you are facing DUI charges, it is crucial to seek an experienced criminal lawyer in Winnipeg to navigate the complexities of your case. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and develop a strategic defence plan.