Hello Mabs.
My partner often says they're "fine to drive" after having a few drinks because they don't feel drunk and they've never been in an accident before. No matter how much I try to convince them otherwise, they believe they're still in control of the vehicle. Is there really a safe amount of alcohol before driving?
Mabs Answers
Your concern is completely justified. One of the biggest dangers of alcohol is that it impairs your ability to judge your own level of impairment. A person may genuinely believe they are capable of driving safely, when in reality their reaction time, concentration, coordination, vision, and decision-making have already been affected.
Driving is a responsibility that requires constant attention. In a split second, you may need to brake for a pedestrian, avoid a cyclist, react to another driver's mistake, or respond to changing road conditions. Alcohol slows these reactions, and those lost seconds can be the difference between a near miss and a fatal crash.
It's also important to remember that drinking and driving is not only about your own safety. Every time someone gets behind the wheel after drinking, they are putting passengers, families in other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists at unnecessary risk.
The safest rule is simple: if you've been drinking, don't drive. Arrange a designated driver, book a ride-hailing service, use public transport, or stay where you are until you are completely sober. No social event, celebration, or convenience is worth risking a life.
