It’s important to keep track of not only the number of drinks you consume on your night out, but also the type of drinks. Different types of alcoholic beverages vary in their alcohol content, and therefore some beverages can cause higher levels of intoxication than others. Before making the decision to drive home after your night on the town, it’s important to assess how much alcohol is actually in your system to determine if you’re legally allowed to drive.
Even if you feel you are sober enough to properly operate your vehicle, a police officer can still stop you on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. If the officer asks how many drinks he had before, he or she may assume that he has consumed much more alcohol than he actually has. A person who had three mixed drinks consumed much more alcohol than someone who had three beers. Remember that the officer can use any statement he makes against you to charge you with DUI.
Normally, a standard drink is defined by graphs and statistics such as:
- One 12 oz. beer. Many beers contain around 5% alcohol, although others vary in alcohol content. Some specialty beers can have alcohol content ranging from 12% to over 20% alcohol, while light beers typically contain less than 5% alcohol. While the beer is often served in a 12-ounce glass, it can sometimes be served in 16-, 18-, or 22-ounce glasses, depending on the establishment.
- A 4 oz glass of wine. Most wines have a similar alcohol content, and a 4-5 oz glass is the equivalent of a standard drink. A wine cooler contains the same amount of alcohol as a glass of wine.
- A shot of 80-proof liquor. 80-proof liquor is 40% alcohol by volume. Most whiskeys, vodkas, rums, and tequilas are 80 proof, although some can vary, such as “151” rum, named for its proof.
Although there are standard or traditional recipes for certain mixed drinks, most mixed drinks are highly variable in their alcohol content. Different establishments use different amounts and types of spirits in their mixed drinks. While one bartender might use one shot of 80-proof liquor in a particular drink, another bartender might use two shots along with another type of liquor. Therefore, not all variations of the same drink have the same alcohol content.
By considering the likely amount of alcohol in each drink you consume at night, you can make a better informed decision about your ability to drive. For more information on issues related to DUI charges, visit the website of Rhode Island drunk driving attorney James Powderly.