“I feel more relaxed, which makes me a better driver because I’m typically a hot-head.” This is one of the many reasons people come up with to explain why they think they drive better while they’re drunk. While some of these statements may sound reasonable, the question remains, can some people drive better while intoxicated?
Driving While Drunk
The short answer is no, driving while drunk never makes someone a better driver. In fact, driving while drunk will always make someone a worse driver when compared to sober driving. In regards to field tests, no one has ever achieved a better driving score when he or she is drunk when compared to sober.
It is important to note that some people can handle their liquor better than others, which means they will drive better than their friends when both are drunk. However, this proves nothing when comparing individual driving skill while drunk and sober.
Driving While Stoned
Studies have shown that marijuana use does not impact driving as much as alcohol (depending on the amount of intake), but the jury is still out on how weed affects drivers overall. While drinking alcohol has a foreseeable impact on someone’s ability to drive, the effect of marijuana use on people’s driving varies drastically across the board. Some people’s driving is profoundly impacted by marijuana use, while other people’s driving is less affected. Despite this discrepancy and the established distribution policy on marijuana in Colorado, driving while stoned is a chargeable offense in the state, and therefore, no matter how cannabis use impacts your driving, you should not drive while stoned.
As you can see, driving while drunk or stoned will make someone a worse driver, but DUIs will continue to occur, and the charged deserve fair representation. If you or a loved one are charged with a DUI in Colorado, an experienced DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure your rights are protected.
Contact my office at (720) 445-9887 for a free consultation of your case.
The information gathered for this blog is from this study performed by Andrew Sewell.