What excuses do people use for drink driving?

Answer 1

When people get pulled over for drunk driving,

they give several different excuses, here are a few:

1. "I can handle my liquor" - According to police, this one typically applies to the "macho" variety of men who feel their exaggerated sense of manliness enables them to overcome the effects of alcohol. The problem with this argument is that there is no physical evidence to support it. Alcohol affects you no matter your size, or if you are a man or women. The outward affects just may be different for you compared to others. If you consume too much alcohol you will be impaired. It doesn't matter how tough you think you might be.

2. "I don't want to pay for a taxi" - Depending on the distance you have to travel it could be a significant cost to get home in a taxi. You could instead plan ahead and use other options, such as have a designated driver, transit or arrange to stay at a friend's home. If no other options are available, no matter the cost of a taxi it is better than taking the risk of losing your license or hurting yourself or others.

3. "Leaving my car overnight is a hassle" - Going back to the bar or party location the next day can be a hassle, but it pales in comparison to hainvg your car impounded by police.

4. "I always make it home after a few" - Each year in British Columbia, approximately 120 people don't make it home due to alcohol related crashes. The drivers who survive those collisions often tell police afterwards that they had very little to drink and really didn't think they were impaired, despite the fact their blood-alcohol levels were well over the legal limit. Impairment begins with the first drink and you do not always know how impaired you are.

5. "It's only a short drive home" - No matter the distance, a police road check could be anywhere. If you live close by, pay for a taxi instead.

6. "I'm OK to drive" - If you have consumed even one alcoholic drink you have already impared your judgement. You cannot truly decide if you are ok to drive. So don't drink and drive. You can plan ahead of time to arrange a safe ride home for everyone.

7. "One more drink won't hurt" - Wrong. Every drink you consume adds to your level of impairment. It doesn't take many drinks before you realize you are more intoxicated then you believed.

8. "They only take your licence if you're drunk"-Like the sign says at GM Place: "If you drink, don't drive."

9. "I'm more careful after a couple" - You might think that, but it isn't true. Alcohol affects your reaction time, decision-making, coordination and visual functions; your ability to steer, track moving objects and brake appropriately; and your ability to control your speed and lane position. The more you drink,

the worse you drive.

10. "I wasn't drinking I only smoked a joint" - Studies have shown that "stoned" drivers who have taken drugs other than alcohol (such as prescription drugs, cannabis, or cocaine) can be every bit as dangerous as a drunk driver. New legislation in BC now allows police to test drivers they suspect may be drug-impaired; if are convicted under the legislation you face the same penalties as drivers convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol.