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In an ideal world, after yesterday’s holiday, it is better not to drive a car, but reality sometimes dictates its own rules. How much you can drink the day before, what and how to drink, when you definitely can’t drive – it’s better to find out all this before meeting with a vigilant traffic police officer.
Quality and quantity of alcohol
The type of drink does not matter – in beer, cognac and wine the same ethanol. The more alcohol in the blood, the higher the breathalyzer readings will be. The quality of the drink affects how you feel in the morning, and a rumpled appearance can be the reason for the increased attention of the inspector. But in order not to exceed the allowable 0,35 ppm, it is the amount of ethanol that matters.
Numerous tables and online calculators will help you calculate your ceiling. For example, a man weighing 90 kg with a height of 170 cm can almost certainly be behind the wheel after 8 hours if he drank on a full stomach:
- 200 ml of vodka, cognac, whiskey;
- or 500 ml of unfortified wine;
- or 1000 ml of light beer.
The female body processes alcohol longer, older people sober up more slowly than young people, and those who are accustomed to alcohol are faster than convinced teetotalers. Of course, in the event that a person has good health, because a worn-out “filtration system” copes worse with the removal of toxins.
How to find out what is already possible behind the wheel
The only reliable way is to buy a breathalyzer and check yourself before the trip. There are enough manufacturers in any price segment: Dingo, Alcogran, META, Infrakar, etc. The device is simple, most models are battery operated. It is important that the sensor of the breathalyzer be electrochemical – it is more accurate than semiconductor ones, which sometimes confuse alcohol with tobacco and other impurities in the breath.
Tips for reducing cherished ppm
It is almost impossible to deceive a modern breathalyzer. Electrochemical sensors are very sensitive, and protection against weak exhalation will not allow you to blow at half strength. But there are several ways to underestimate ppm:
- Fatty foods slow absorption. If you can’t refuse the boss, sandwiches with caviar, lamb, servelat or a stack of vegetable oil will help out. The effect is temporary – it works if you drink and drive almost immediately. But it’s still better to call a taxi.
- Sorbents partially absorb toxins, preventing them from getting into the blood. Ethanol is consumed in the morning after being reabsorbed into the stomach. It does not work if you drink a lot: having absorbed the possible volume, the sorbents stop absorbing alcohol and even give it back – they ooze like a too wet rag.
- Alcohol is excreted in urine and sweat. To speed up the process, you need to drink plenty of non-carbonated water (only if the kidneys are healthy) and / or sweat (only if the cardiovascular system is healthy).
- Diluted drinks. Tonic in vodka or more ice in whiskey – the Internet is full of recipes with any kind of drink. The main thing is not to lean on alcohol that has lost its strength.
- “Ventilation” of the lungs. If the blood alcohol content is on the verge of acceptable, you need to take frequent and deep breaths before testing. Of course, even before the car comes to a complete stop and as imperceptibly as possible. Breathing with a long strong exhalation literally ventilates the lungs from the accumulated alcohol vapors.
When the readings of the breathalyzer clearly exceed the allowable 0,35 ppm or 0,16 mg / l, it is wiser not to drive. With a hangover on the road, anything can happen, even if the state of health seems to be normal. Happy holidays and safe travels!