Being “buzzed” after consuming alcohol is a loose term that describes someone feeling some effects of alcohol but may not be fully drunk. This is a dangerous gray area when it comes to alcohol consumption and getting behind the wheel.
Blood alcohol concentration, also known as blood alcohol content, (BAC) levels can range from .01 to .15 and higher—and all levels put everyone on the road at risk. Here’s what the experienced Kansas City drunk driving accident attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. want you to know.
How Can You Tell if You’re “Buzzed?”
No matter how little alcohol you’ve consumed, you may feel a bit more relaxed and slightly less inhibited, which could indicate you’re “buzzed”. Even if you’ve only consumed one drink and feel “fine”, never get behind the wheel, especially if you notice the following behaviors:
- Slurred speech
- Slower reaction time
- Talking too fast or too slow
- Lack of concentration
- Poor coordination
- Loss of balance
Also, if you’re not the one drinking but notice these behaviors in someone else, don’t get into a vehicle with them. Call a sober friend or family member for a ride to get you both home safely.
Safety Tips to Avoid a Drunk Driving Accident
Keep in mind that in Missouri, you’re considered driving while intoxicated with a BAC level of .08 or higher. This is an average of four-to-five drinks over a couple of hours. And a DWI—driving while intoxicated—and DUI—driving under the influence—are legally the same thing in the Show Me state. So these precautions to help save lives:
- Designate a sober driver.
- Use a rideshare or taxi service.
- If you suspect another driver on the road is driving while intoxicated, pull over and call 911.
- When hosting a gathering and serving alcohol, offer non-alcoholic options for guests.
- Always wear your seatbelt to increase your chance of surviving an accident with an intoxicated driver.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 40 people die daily in drunk driving crashes. This is a tragic statistic because drunk driving accidents are avoidable by making a straightforward choice: don't drink and drive. Here are some other tips to stop drunk driving. And if you've been injured in an accident with a buzzed or drunk driver, consult an attorney right away to understand your rights.