Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges can result from crashes or from one-on-one traffic stops. People who display impaired driving ability are at risk of arrest. Motorists can also face charges if they fail a chemical test even if they can still drive normally.
Even people who regularly drink and do their best to be responsible can potentially make mistakes that put them at risk of criminal prosecution. For example, a professional who enjoys a good draft beer or well-made Old Fashioned may occasionally stop off for a drink on the way home to celebrate completing a major project or to recover after a particularly bad day at work.
Enjoying a drink or two before going home can potentially lead to DWI charges. Why does an after-work drink increase the driver’s risk of arrest?
1. The lack of a recent meal
Frequently, drivers on their way home from work haven’t eaten since lunch. They may have empty stomachs, especially if they skipped lunch or breakfast.
When there isn’t food in the stomach to help the body absorb the alcohol, impairment can hit harder and faster than people anticipate. A driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) could easily be higher than the driver expects based on the number of drinks they consumed.
2. The pressure to get home quickly
The human body generally requires an hour to break down the alcohol in a single shot of liquor or bottle of beer. Particularly if people enjoy multiple drinks or mixed drinks, they may need to wait a bit for their bodies to metabolize the alcohol before they drive.
Those stopping off on their way home may feel pressured to get back on the road as quickly as possible. They may not give their bodies the time necessary to break down the alcohol they ingested.
3. The fatigue felt after a long day
Many people experience an afternoon energy slump when they work first-shift jobs. Going hours without a meal, ending their caffeine consumption for the day and getting inadequate sleep the night before can all contribute to high levels of fatigue.
Exhausted or fatigued drivers can display signs of impairment that are similar to those noted in people under the influence of alcohol. The combination of a drink with fatigue can negatively affect driving ability and draw the attention of a police officer.
Motorists facing DWI charges after an arrest during their afternoon commute may need help fighting their charges. Seeking legal guidance can help motorists evaluate if the unique circumstances that led to their arrest may provide opportunities to develop a reasonable defense strategy.
