Crime Prevention and Security Tips - SAFE & SOBER DRIVING GUIDE

Driving while intoxicated is a crime. The laws pertaining to drunken driving vary from state to state. The following information is meant only to be a general guideline. Check for specific details about the laws of your state.

Use the following table to calculate the number of hours you need to wait to safely drive after consuming alcohol.

Weight Safety Calculator

100-119 lbs.	2 drinks	3 hours
	3 drinks	6 hours
	4 drinks	10 hours
	5 drinks	13 hours
	6 drinks	16 hours
120-139 lbs.	2 drinks	2 hours
	3 drinks	5 hours
	4 drinks	8 hours
	5 drinks	10 hours
	6 drinks	12 hours
140-159 lbs.	2 drinks	2 hours
	3 drinks	4 hours
	4 drinks	6 hours
	5 drinks	8 hours
	6 drinks	10 hours
160-179 lbs.	2 drinks	1 hours
	3 drinks	3 hours
	4 drinks	5 hours
	5 drinks	7 hours
	6 drinks	9 hours
180-199 lbs.
	3 drinks	2 hours
	4 drinks	4 hours
	5 drinks	6 hours
	6 drinks	7 hours
200-219 lbs.
	3 drinks	2 hours
	4 drinks	3 hours
	5 drinks	5 hours
	6 drinks	6 hours
over220 lbs
	3 drinks	1 hours
	4 drinks	3 hours
	5 drinks	4 hours
	6 drinks	6 hours

*ANY alcohol at all in the system causes some functional impairment. The HOURS TO WAIT will vary depending on when the last drink was consumed, body weight, gender, medications taken, and general health.

The “Legally Drunk” blood alcohol measurement of .1% is no longer the rule. Some states are considering dropping the limit to .04%.

Things You Should Know

• First time offenders may receive:
  1. A fine of several hundred dollars.
  2. Loss of license – and driving privileges for a period of several months (varies by state).
  3. A jail term.
• A 12-ounce can of beer is just as intoxicating as a 5-ounce glass of wine or 1 mixed drink.
• Black coffee, exercise and cold showers will NOT sober you up.
• Many states have “Host” laws that make the Host or Hostess legally liable for the people after they have left their premises.
• Open alcoholic beverage containers in vehicles are illegal in many states.
• One out of ever two Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in his/her lifetime.

Some Do’s & Don’ts

DO…

• Serve a variety of non-alcoholic beverages if you host a party. Close the bar an hour before the party is over.
• Be aware that the time you must wait after drinking ANY alcoholic beverages depends on the amount consumed, gender, general health, medications taken, etc. Be prepared to make alternative transportation arrangements.
• Drink slowly and in moderation. It can take an hour or more for your body to eliminate the effects of just one drink.
• Eat high protein foods like cheese, meat and eggs before drinking to slow down the rate of absorption of alcohol into the blood stream.

DON’T…

• Get behind the wheel if you have consumed ANY alcoholic beverages at all. Sleep over, call a cab, take public transportation, or ask a friend to take you home.
• Think you’re safe if you stick with one kind of drink. It’s the QUANTITY of alcohol that counts, not the type.
• Go out drinking with friends without designating one as the non-drinking driver, or arranging for a cab or other public transportation.
• Mix alcohol and other drugs, whether prescription or over-the counter. The combination can kill you or cause you to hurt or kill others.

Remember…

FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS DRIVE DRUNK

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