When you go out and party with friends, you may then feel tempted to drive yourself back home if you think you did not drink too much. However, the way you feel and what your blood alcohol content (BAC) level read often tell two entirely different stories.
Due to the many factors that impact the feeling of intoxication, it is next to impossible to tell when you have actually had too much to drink.
How BAC level relates to intoxication
American Addiction Centers takes a look at the myth of knowing BAC level through physical signs alone. Many people think they can tell how drunk they are by how they physically feel at any given time. True enough, most people do have an idea of where their tolerance is, i.e. they understand when they have had too much to drink or cross over from tipsy to drunk.
However, it is nearly impossible to tie an exact BAC percentage to the feelings experienced when intoxicated. For example, one person could drink two beers and feel just a little tipsy, when in reality they have already hit 0.08 percent BAC. No matter how they feel or how well they think they can drive, police will always make their decision based on the BAC of the person they pull over.
Alcohol and sober driving
In other words, it is perfectly possible to feel sober and already have a BAC level way over the legal limit. The only way to find out is through a breath or blood analysis test, and by then, it is too late. It is best to avoid driving after having any drink whatsoever.