I'm sure that noone here drives drunk, but ...

[pumpkinpie]

<> Be careful of the charts. I wouldn't take them out partying and use them to determine if you are legal or not. They are a very general guideline. A person's size, and specifically their blood volume, has a lot to do with it; as does how fast you metabolize alcohol - though the person to person variation is only slight.

You also need to take into consideration any medications you're taking. Some require more work by the liver to be processed than others. So if the liver is working harder on the medication, alcohol will be processed more slowly. That means it will take you longer to sober up, and hangovers will last longer. If any medications have alcohol warnings, talk to you doctor or pharmacist to get the scoop.

[sts60]

I have no sympathy for people caught driving drunk. None whatsoever. There's always som a*****e who wipes out a family and walks away with a headache.

Recently, we ran a call on I-270 (connecting Interstate 70 with the Washington Beltway) for a car wrecked on the southbound center wall. Three college students, fortunately just shaken up. Why'd they wreck?

To avoid the drunk driving northbound in their lane at about 160 km/h.

[Gillianren]

I don't drink. ever. (well, a friend of mine better summed it up with I don't imbibe, as obviously I consume fluids on a fairly regular basis.) however, that's not why I'm horrified by drunk drivers.

I don't know how many people saw it, but the MythBusters did an episode in which they got all liquored up in a police lab and tried various things to beat the breath test, and nothing worked. (actually, the mouthwash made them "blow" higher, significantly so, which the cop said was grounds for an automatic retest--and probably a blood test, too.) still, people show up on the board over there on a regular basis asking if such-and-such (often something on the episode . . .) will beat the breath test. we tend to give them the same response every time.

1) no, it won't beat the breath test. those machines are not new technology; they've been around for decades, and if there was some obvious way to dodge it, the kinks that permitted it would have been worked out by now.

2) apparently, cops are supposed to watch you for a significant time (15 minutes in some jurisdictions) before administering the test, presumably to make sure you don't stick anything in your mouth before taking the test.

3) drinking and driving is both illegal and stupid. I would go so far as to call it immoral. (immoral and illegal being, as I'm sure most of you would agree, not the same thing.) drinking lowers your capacity to reason. correct me if I'm wrong, but that's half of why people drink. and knowing that, you then get behind the wheel of more than a ton of fast-moving steel? there's no way anyone can not know that driving drunk isn't safe. to do it anyway . . . well, I'm hesitant to use the word "evil," but I'm strongly tempted.

oh, and .08 is legally drunk is Washington.

Candy . . . it's possible that the cops in that place are crooked, but it's also possible that you still were legally drunk. I don't know (and without knowing your body size, I don't think any of us can). but you're right--you should have fought it at the time. still, I don't think threatening to sue after they offered to reimburse you for your cigarettes and lighter was politic.

[Lianachan]

3) drinking and driving is both illegal and stupid. I would go so far as to call it immoral. (immoral and illegal being, as I'm sure most of you would agree, not the same thing.) drinking lowers your capacity to reason. correct me if I'm wrong, but that's half of why people drink. and knowing that, you then get behind the wheel of more than a ton of fast-moving steel? there's no way anyone can not know that driving drunk isn't safe. to do it anyway . . . well, I'm hesitant to use the word "evil," but I'm strongly tempted.

I couldn't agree more. Here in the UK, drink driving is finally seen as socially unacceptable by practically everybody - a lot of the credit for that must go to the various informational campaigns that were undertaken by the government and police. As recently as 15 years ago, it wasn't thought of as that bad an offense by large swathes of Brits.

(but don't get me started on the campaigns to do the same to speeding! Yes, in built up areas or busy roads - but when you're only doing 75 mph along a deserted road in the middle of nowhere, with no buildings or traffic for miles, I can't see how you're a danger to anybody other than yourself and passengers (if any)).

[Candy]

Candy . . . it's possible that the cops in that place are crooked, but it's also possible that you still were legally drunk. I don't know (and without knowing your body size, I don't think any of us can). but you're right--you should have fought it at the time. still, I don't think threatening to sue after they offered to reimburse you for your cigarettes and lighter was politic.

It's been over 10 years ago... :-?

[Argos]

In the old days :^o when I drank before driving, it seemed that my reflexes got better with a very light dosage. My theory is that there´s a threshold at which your reflexes will actually improve, shortly before they start to degenerate.

[Melusine]

I have no sympathy for people caught driving drunk. None whatsoever. There's always som a*****e who wipes out a family and walks away with a headache.

I can't say that I always drove under the legal alcohol limit, and I am far from alone, whether anyone wants to admit it or not. I am sure there were times that I was just lucky, but when younger, after we'd go out to the clubs we'd often go to a Denny's type place for breakfast or later, some 24 hour Mexican taqueria. It's just not worth it to do that to a family for such a reason--sleeping in the car is better than driving. People don't usually think in those terms though, they think about what it would do to their driving record, how much it costs to get a lawyer to save your butt (now a minimum of $5K), when it should really be about what you say, and I'm sure you've seen the worst of it. Anyway, it's seldom I even drink to get drunk, and if I do, I stay where I am. When I've gone to concerts in recent years, we always had a designated driver who was cut off some time before the end of the show.

A town I know in FL has a van service for this purpose, and they told me that sometimes people can't even explain to the driver where they live! But at least they use the van. Too, as someone mentioned, there are a lot of people on medicine that's just as bad. I know a cop who gave a lady a ticket for taking medicine that said not to operate a vehicle...she had admitted it. Some medicines are just as bad as drinking, and maybe more so, if they make you jumpy and wired. :-?

[Captain Kidd]

I had heard years ago that France has laws that covers driving while on medications and while ill.

Anybody have knowledge on that?

[Grey]

In the old days :^o when I drank before driving, it seemed that my reflexes got better with a very light dosage. My theory is that there´s a threshold at which your reflexes will actually improve, shortly before they start to degenerate.

I don't actually have any data to support this claim (fortuately for me, you don't either ), but I'd be willing to bet that, while your own perception of your reflexes might be that they've improved slightly, an empirical test would show that to be incorrect. Anyone know of any detailed studies on the effects of extremely slight intoxication, as opposed to the more serious levels that most studies I've seen have used?

[Candy]

You know what's weird, Grey? I can whip out an entire Research Paper (10-20 pages), plus a PowerPoint presentation in one drunken moment. The research being done prior to the final event. For some reason, I am more creative in piecing the puzzle together for creativity. I get an A everytime, too.

Mind you, I'm not driving while I do this.

[papageno]

You know what's weird, Grey? I can whip out an entire Research Paper (10-20 pages), plus a PowerPoint presentation in one drunken moment. The research being done prior to the final event. For some reason, I am more creative in piecing the puzzle together for creativity. I get an A everytime, too.

Mind you, I'm not driving while I do this.

I guess it's hard to drive and write or type at the same time... 8-[

[Melusine]

In the old days :^o when I drank before driving, it seemed that my reflexes got better with a very light dosage. My theory is that there´s a threshold at which your reflexes will actually improve, shortly before they start to degenerate.

I don't actually have any data to support this claim (fortuately for me, you don't either ), but I'd be willing to bet that, while your own perception of your reflexes might be that they've improved slightly, an empirical test would show that to be incorrect. Anyone know of any detailed studies on the effects of extremely slight intoxication, as opposed to the more serious levels that most studies I've seen have used?

I used to, maybe even still do, felt like I was driving better after one or two drinks, because I was more relaxed and less jumpy about the traffic. It may have been my perception, but when I haven't been drinking, I am jumpy at times, since everyone drives so fast and crazy. That may be the threshhold Argos is talking about. Two drinks isn't above the legal limit for most, depending on weight, food intake, and alcohol strength. After that, you're probably right--cognition tests would show a decrease in perception. It's odd how often people who are drunk in accidents walk away without scratch even if they caused destruction; their bodies are so slowed down and relaxed they seem to tense up less. People who are stoned seem to drive too slow...I think alcohol and drugs (methaphetamines, especially) are the accident culprits. At least that's what a cop on the DWI Task Force told me is his experience.

[Candy]

I guess it's hard to drive and write or type at the same time... 8-[

I read sometimes while driving. ops:

[Raptor1967]

I have to say I feel no sympathy for anyone who drives after drinking regardless of the amount. I don’t see what is so difficult about getting a ride home from a friend or taking a cab. You shouldn’t drive after drinking regardless of whether you feel you are capable or not. I lost several friends because of their own irresponsibility.

I can also say that body weight has nothing to do with how much you can drink. I am 6'3" 250 Lbs and I can’t even handle a single beer. I am probably the worlds cheapest drunk and I can personally attest that after that one beer there is no way I would get behind the wheel of a car for any reason ( I would let my 10 year old drive before I got behind the wheel).

I personally think the law is too easy on drunk drivers. I feel these people should lose there license for a hell of a lot longer then they do I also feel they should have to face some kind of incarceration but then I am pretty biased about this subject.

Hell I have had my best friend arrested because of this as I have 0 tolerance for this kind of irresponsible behavior.

[Captain Kidd]

I guess it's hard to drive and write or type at the same time... 8-[

I read sometimes while driving. ops:

I've seen people reading novels by using their thumbs to spread the book over the steering wheel; and once saw somebody reading a newspaper. The urge to swerve suddenly in front of them or other such make-them-wreck maneuver is really hard to resist sometimes.

When working at a fast food joint in college I'd do the drive through frequently. It was amazing what you'd see. This one guy had rigged up a decent sized TV just below his dash between the seats and they were watching Jurassic Park.

Sorry Candy, but people who do that really need to get ticketed and their license yanked. That’s almost worse than driving drunk. At least the drunk is, hopefully, watching the road even if their reaction time is crap.

Edit: Really there needs to be a massive overhaul of the driving laws. Or at least true enforcement. But then that'd cut down on the number of people buying cars and gas and we can't have that can we?

[Melusine]

I have to say I feel no sympathy for anyone who drives after drinking regardless of the amount. I don’t see what is so difficult about getting a ride home from a friend or taking a cab. You shouldn’t drive after drinking regardless of whether you feel you are capable or not. I lost several friends because of their own irresponsibility.

Unfortunately, so so many people drive after one or two drinks--my whole city would be arrested. People go to lunch and have a drink and then go back to work by car. I don't think this will ever stop, because people don't feel drunk or incapable of driving after one drink. That may be too severe, as I said, especially when people are driving around on antihistamines that impair one's cognition as well. But I know, especially when you lose someone you know in an accident, it's like you want to make it zero, zero tolerance, but that won't happen.

Ask people here how many drive after one or two drinks or one or two beers? It's probably very common. That's why they set limits, though they lowered it to .08. Cell phones, reading, putting on make-up, eating, medicines...these things are suspect while driving.

[Candy]

I don't talk on a cell phone. I threw the cell phone away after 9/11.

Do I get any brownie points for the above? 8-[

I only read on the way to school at 7 o'clock in the morning on Saturday's and Sunday's. I'm usually craming for a test. I only have an online course now, and I graduate June 17th (Dean's List). When I read, I'm constantly looking up at the road and back down at my notes. The only time I ever came close to hitting something or running off of the road was....


NEVER. :wink:

[Candy]

Hell I have had my best friend arrested because of this as I have 0 tolerance for this kind of irresponsible behavior.

I had a friend die. Oh wait, he fell asleep at the wheel - no alcohol was involved. Never mind, different subject. He didn't have a seatbelt on.

[Captain Kidd]

At 50 mph you travel the lenght of a football field (American football, how long is a soccor field?) in 4 seconds. At 60 mph you're down to less than 3.5 seconds for every 100 yards.

300 feet is a lot of distance for something to happen in that wasn't there 2 seconds ago at "last glance" that might be avoided by a simple swerve.

How long would you estimate you look at your notes? 5 maybe 10 seconds between glances up? That's approximately 360 to 700 feet at 50 mph. (440 to 880 feet at 60 mph, even at 40 mph you're covering almost 300 feet in 5 seconds.)

It only takes once to ruin somebody's day if not life.

[Candy]

At 50 mph you travel the lenght of a football field (American football, how long is a soccor field?) in 4 seconds. At 60 mph you're down to less than 3.5 seconds for every 100 yards.

300 feet is a lot of distance for something to happen in that wasn't there 2 seconds ago at "last glance" that might be avoided by a simple swerve.

How long would you estimate you look at your notes? 5 maybe 10 seconds between glances up? That's approximately 360 to 700 feet at 50 mph. (440 to 880 feet at 60 mph, even at 40 mph you're covering almost 300 feet in 5 seconds.)

It only takes once to ruin somebody's day if not life.

Well, I live 5 minutes from school. The zone is 30 mph. You do the math.

So you don't have a cell phone, and you don't talk on it while driving, either? You've never wanted to fall asleep while driving, either.

I really HEAR a lot of hypocritical advise for some reason in this thread.

[Raptor1967]

I fell asleep while driving once. Woke up in the middle of a field of wheat. Let me tell you I was confused as there were no tracks leading into the field so I had a hard time figuring out what happened. I later figured out that I must have been in the air for about 20-30 ft before landing in the field. Fortunately the only thing hurt was my truck and my pride.

[Candy]

Oh yeah, I drive a Tracker (stick shift). If you can get this monster above the speed limit, you'd make me very happy. :wink:

[Candy]

I fell asleep while driving once. Woke up in the middle of a field of wheat. Let me tell you I was confused as there were no tracks leading into the field so I had a hard time figuring out what happened. I later figured out that I must have been in the air for about 20-30 ft before landing in the field. Fortunately the only thing hurt was my truck and my pride.

It takes a lot to get that dirt out from under your car, too, doesn't it? Not that I would know. Actually, I fell asleep at the wheel, once. I finally woke up after hitting the side bumps, where you would need to park. After I woke up, I noticed a cop behind me with his lights on. I came to a stop.

He came up to the side of the car, and said did I know I was speeding at 65 in a 55 mph zone (grandma's New Yorker at the time)? I said, no I wasn't, I was sleeping. He didn't give me a ticket, but followed me home the remaining 2 miles.

[Captain Kidd]

I'm not innocent myself. My younger days had a few trips with a couple beers in me. I shudder to think of the what ifs that fortunately didn't happen.

I've never read. Looked at a map once or twice yeah. Which might be worse actually as you're trying to figure out where in the mess of squigglies you're at and which one you need to take. But I make common sense take precedence. I'll stop on an entry/exit ramp to check maps. Fortunately I have a pretty good memory when it comes to maps. Shoulda been a surveyor/cartographer. I guess my sense of mortality of myself and others finally kicked in a few years ago.

I've admitted elsewhere that I occasionally talk on a phone when I drive. But I make dang sure that I'm aware that I'm talking on a phone and they're mostly short and to the point. (They're usually a call to grab something on the way home because we just ran out of it.)

I'm not as rabid anti-phone as some are. I see them near the same class of distraction as a radio or really chatty people in the car. But they do require more concentration to converse on and thus are, in my opinion, more dangerous than radios or in-car friends.

Reading, though, requires both your eyes and your mind to be off the road. Sight is the most important requirement when driving and reading (or watching TV) completely removes them from the scene even if it's a few seconds.

[Candy]

Looked at a map once or twice yeah.

I'm having trouble understanding this statement. :wink:

Goodnight for now. :P

[teddyv]

Oh yeah, I drive a Tracker (stick shift). If you can get this monster above the speed limit, you'd make me very happy. :wink:

I've always been curious as to why Trackers/Samurai's/Sideflips have been so popular with the ladies :-? . Probably 90% of these I see are driven by women. Is it the cute factor?

[Gillianren]

I don't currently drive at all--no car--but if I did, I would no more drive and talk on a cell phone than drive drunk. I don't remember ever driving and trying to fall asleep at the same time, though it's possible I did, but I usually try to arrange it so that I have somewhere to stop if I'm driving late at night.

note that none of this (well, except the drunk driving thing) makes me a better person, just a better driver. I use turn signals, too, and go slowly in parking lots. heck, I yield to pedestrians! how many of you can say that?

I consider myself an above-average driver because I have a really, really low opinion of the average driver.

[tmosher]

Oh yeah, I drive a Tracker (stick shift). If you can get this monster above the speed limit, you'd make me very happy. :wink:

A JATO bottle might help.

[hippietrekx]

tmosher, have you been watching MythBusters? :wink:

Don't worry about me driving drunk. I'm too young to drink and too lazy to take the classes to learn to drive (I'll learn by next sumer, I swear! Wait... I said that last summer... :-? )

Oh well, at least that makes one less teen driver on the road.

--htx

[tmosher]

tmosher, have you been watching MythBusters? :wink:

Don't worry about me driving drunk. I'm too young to drink and too lazy to take the classes to learn to drive (I'll learn by next sumer, I swear! Wait... I said that last summer... :-? )

Oh well, at least that makes one less teen driver on the road.

--htx

No. I haven't been watching mythbusters lately. But I did catch a bit of the one where they did the rocket chair (which didnt' go anywhere).

I wonder how many Apogee F10's I'd need to get my Nissan Frontier (underpowered four-banger) to accelerate briskly.