Actress Cameron Diaz once quipped, “(Watching) Grease is the only cure for a hangover.” Apparently John Travolta and Olivia Newton John’s dance moves have a stronger affect on some than others. No matter what your preferred treatment may be recent studies show it may be best to keep from behind the wheel of your vehicle when nursing a hangover.
We’re all aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, but researchers have recently looked into whether or not driving hung over can cause some of those same dangers. Here’s what they found in a closed course driving test of about 50 people after a night of intoxication.
- Hung over drivers were more impaired than a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05.
- They showed a notable decrease in alertness and an overall increase in erratic behavior (such as weaving).
- Hung over drivers also showed significant increases in speed variations, slowed reaction times, driver errors and shifting driving positions.
- University researchers concluded that “even though the alcohol is a drivers system is gone they are prone to the same mistakes as drunken drivers.”
These findings may come as a surprise to most of us, but when we consider the condition of a hung over person (headaches, fatigue, dehydration, etc.), a reduced ability to concentrate is understandable.
If you’re facing a criminal charge or traffic violation as result of driving under the influence of a hang over, chances are you’ll not be charged with a DUI. However, you need to understand your rights and have an advocate with a well-rounded understanding of DUI law. Nahajski Law Firm can provide the kind of counsel you can trust to pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Especially if there was an accident, a thorough investigation of all the details surrounding your circumstances is in order.
Contact us online today via email or call us at 206-621-0500 to set up a free confidential consultation with one of our experienced Seattle area defense attorneys today.