While it’s against the law to drink and drive, many drivers still do so. Why does drunk driving still happen?
It’s likely that many people drink and drive because of common misconceptions. To avoid an OVI charge, you may need to debunk some common myths:
Myth 1: You can avoid a traffic stop by driving slowly
Truth: While it’s unsafe to drive while drunk, many people have to get home. They may try driving slowly so that they don’t cause any accidents and they avoid police suspicion. But, if a drunk driver was hit by another car, then the police could notice that the driver was drunk, which could lead to an OVI charge.
Myth 2: You have to answer police questions
Truth: The police will likely ask drivers a few questions to help determine what the driver was doing. For example, the police may ask the driver if they were drinking or at the bars. Some drivers may be honest when answering these questions, but they have a right to remain silent. Under the Fifth Amendment, drivers can refrain from answering questions that might lead to self-incrimination.
Myth 3: You can trick chemical breath tests
Truth: A driver may be asked to take a breath test. Breath tests determine blood alcohol content and a reading above the legal limit can lead to an OVI charge. Many drunk drivers will try to trick breath tests by, for example, using breath mints or pennies. But, these tricks likely don’t work and can make matters worse.
Myth 4: It’s better to accept an OVI charge
Truth: A OVI charge is a serious criminal offense. Many drivers may accept their charges and pay any fines to avoid making matters complicated. But, a criminal offense such as an OVI can have lasting effects. Drivers may want to learn about the terms of their charge and understand their legal rights before accepting an OVI charge.