Myth: Alcohol is a stimulant.
Fact: Alcohol is a depressant. It acts on the central nervous system like an anesthetic to lower or depress the activity of the brain.
Myth: Drinking coffee sobers me up.
Fact: Coffee cannot rid your system of alcohol. It just makes you a nervous, wide-awake drunk. Only time reverses the impairment.
Myth: I always stay away from the hard stuff.
Fact: Alcohol is alcohol. One 12-ounce glass of beer has as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey or a 5-ounce glass of wine.
Myth: I am bigger so I can handle my liquor better than other people.
Fact: Size is only one factor in how much you can drink. Metabolism, amount of rest and food intake all play a part in how you handle liquor. Impairment in motor reflexes and judgment can begin with the first drink.
Myth: Once I roll down my car window, I am okay to drive.
Fact: No amount of fresh, chilly air can reverse impairment. You gain nothing by rolling down a window or turning on the air conditioner.
Myth: I just drive slower after drinking.
Fact: Many people believe that by driving more slowly, they can compensate for being impaired. The truth is, drunk drivers are dangerous at any speed.
Myth: All I have to do is splash my face with cold water.
Fact: Cold water or even a cold shower will not sober you up or make you a safer driver.
via OSHP | Home.
