Content
Facts and Figures
| MYTH: | I couldn't be over the limit the next day because I've got a high tolerance to alcohol compared with my friends. |
|---|---|
| FACT: | Even if you have a "high tolerance" for alcohol your body still needs the same amount of time to clear the alcohol from your system as someone with a "low tolerance". The alcohol you drink will still show up on a breath test even if you have a "high tolerance". |
| MYTH: | I always eat something to soak up the alcohol before I drive so that I won't be over the limit. |
| FACT: | Eating before you start drinking is a good idea because it will fill you up and you're less likely to overdo it with alcohol. However, food cannot "soak up" alcohol in your stomach and you cannot rely on it to lower your blood alcohol content. You still have to wait for the correct amount of time before you drive. Eating breakfast won't change your blood alcohol content. |
| MYTH: | A drink driving charge is no big deal. |
| FACT: | If your breath test is positive for alcohol, you will be arrested on the spot and transported to the nearest police station (usually in the back of a Police paddy wagon). Your car will be left at the roadside until you or someone else can collect it. Once you have been to court and convicted of a drink driving charge you will have a criminal record. This means when you apply for jobs in the future your drink driving charge will show up if your employer does a criminal record check. It may also make it difficult to travel to some countries such as the USA, Canada and the U.K. |
Standard Drinks
- Schooner - 1.6
- Stubby - 1.5
- Glass of wine - 1.5
- A can of premixed spirits - 1.5 - 2.1
- Spirit shot - 1
- Bottle of wine - 7.5-9.0
- Alcopop - 1.2
- Longneck beer - 3
* Figures given are averages only. Always check the label for the exact number of standard drinks
Fast facts
- If you are at 0.05BAC, you will double your chances of a crash.
- The chances of you having a crash whilst hung-over are also much greater because of fatigue.
- In NSW, the minimum penalty for a mid range drink driving offence is 6 months loss of licence and a possible $2,200 fine.
Tips
- Don't drink more than one or two drinks if you know you have to drive the next morning.
- Police conduct random breath testing at all times of the day and night. Organise for a friend or taxi to pick you up the next day if you know you are going to have a big night.
- Getting a taxi to work is much cheaper than losing your licence for months. Having to rely on friends and family to get around is a major hassle on them and you.