Let’s be very clear. BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING! Even if your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit, it’s still incredibly dangerous to get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking.

Drunk driving is the leading cause of death on our roadways, and it’s 100% preventable.

Let’s dig deeper into the legal limit for drinking, learn how alcohol affects your body, and most importantly, how to stay safe on the roads.

What is buzzed driving?

“Buzzed driving” is a term used to describe driving while under the influence of alcohol but not legally intoxicated.

In the state of Texas, you are considered legally intoxicated when your blood alcohol level reaches .08%. However, even if you are below the legal limit, it is against the law to drive if alcohol is affecting your driving capabilities.

Not only is buzzed driving illegal – it’s incredibly dangerous.

How does alcohol affect your driving?

Alcohol can make you unfit to drive long before you have a blood alcohol level of .08%.

In 2020, there were 2,041 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a blood alcohol level below .08%. These drivers were not considered legally intoxicated, but they were still unable to operate their vehicle safely.

Alcohol consumption impairs your thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination – all of which are vital to operating a vehicle safety. Here are some of the effects that alcohol has on our bodies.

  • .02% – Decline in visual functions and the ability to perform 2 tasks at the same time
  • .05% – Lower coordination, ability to track moving objects, and response time
  • .08% – Reduced concentration, short-term memory loss, and impaired perception

Even if you’re not considered legally drunk, it can still be incredibly dangerous to drive.

How can you stay safe?

Drinking and driving is never worth the risk. Here are some ways to stay safe if you’re planning to have a few drinks.

  • Choose a designated driver. Take turns with your group of friends as the designated driver. Make sure that the DD has the car keys and doesn’t drink any alcohol.
  • Use a ride-share app. Setup an account with Uber, Lyft, or another reliable ride-share service before you start drinking.
  • Take public transportation. When available, public transportation is a reliable way to get across town. Be sure and know the pickup and drop off locations before you head out.
  • Ask for a ride. If all else fails and you’re unable to find a safe way home, call a loved one and ask for a ride. It may be a small inconvenience for them, but trust us – they would rather give you a ride than have you drive drunk.

It’s estimated that we share the road with over 300,000 drunk drivers each day. Do the right thing, and don’t be one of them.