Drinking wine can feel like a harmless way to unwind, but it’s important to understand how alcohol affects your body. Many people wonder if one glass of wine is enough to get drunk. The answer depends on several factors, including alcohol tolerance, body size, and how your body processes alcohol.
Even a single glass of red or white wine can lead to noticeable effects for some. Moderate wine consumption may seem safe but can still impair judgment and slow reaction times. When it comes to drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel, even small amounts can create unsafe driving conditions.
At Recovery Law Center, we’ve seen the devastating consequences of DUI-related accidents. Understanding how much alcohol is too much and the risks of even one drink can help prevent tragedies on the road. Let’s explore how your wine consumption could affect your ability to drive safely.
What Is the Legal Driving Limit?
Drunk driving is the number one cause of death on our nation’s roadways, killing 11,000 people a year.
Throughout most of the United States, the blood alcohol content (BAC) allowed to drive a motor vehicle is 0.08. This is the case in Hawaii as well. However, in July 2020, the Aloha State enacted stiffer penalties for drivers whose BAC reaches .15 or above. This applies to first-time offenders.
Upon conviction, the driver’s license and car registration are revoked for six months to a year. The driver must spend at least 14 hours in rehab, two to five days in jail, pay up to $1,000 in fines, and/or do three days of community service.
While criminal penalties attempt to curb a drunk driver’s negligent actions, they do not compensate people who have been hurt in the accidents they cause. If an impaired driver injured you, you need a drunk driving injury lawyer to fight for compensation for your losses.
Can Wine Get You Drunk?
Yes, too much wine can get you drunk. The amount it takes varies depending on a lot of factors, but in general, drinking more than one glass of wine per hour can lead to intoxication. Wine typically contains about 12% alcohol, which can impact your body differently depending on:
- Your weight
- Whether you’re eating while drinking
- Gender
- Body type and how your liver processes alcohol
- Hormones
- Medications
- Ethnicity
- How quickly you drink
Even one glass of wine can impair your judgment or make you legally drunk, so it’s always important to be cautious, especially if you’re planning to drive.
What Are The Myths About Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving is a serious issue, yet many myths surround it, leading to dangerous misconceptions. Understanding the truth about alcohol and how it affects the body is essential for safe and responsible drinking.
Myth 1: “I’m Fine to Drive After One Glass of Wine”
Many believe drinking just one glass of wine won’t impair their driving ability. However, even a tiny glass of wine can increase blood alcohol concentration. Factors like body weight, how much wine you consume, and whether you drink on an empty stomach all influence your BAC. For some, just one drink may be enough to approach the legal limit.
Myth 2: “I Can Handle My Alcohol Because of My Tolerance”
Alcohol tolerance may make you feel less drunk, but it doesn’t reduce how much alcohol is in your system. Your body processes alcohol the same way, regardless of tolerance. High alcohol tolerance gives a false sense of security, leading many to believe they can safely drive after drinking alcohol. This can have serious consequences.
Myth 3: “Wine and Low-Alcohol Drinks Are Safer”
Some think drinking wine, especially low-alcohol wines like pinot grigio or sparkling wine, won’t impair them as much as hard liquor. However, the alcohol content in a glass of red wine or white wine can still add up quickly, especially if you consume wine in large quantities. The type of alcoholic beverage matters less than how much alcohol you drink overall.
Myth 4: “Drinking Coffee or Water Helps Sober You Up”
It’s common to hear that drinking water, coffee, or eating food can help you sober up faster. While staying hydrated and eating before drinking may slow alcohol absorption, these actions don’t reduce your BAC. Only time allows your body to process alcohol completely.
Myth 5: “I’ll Feel Drunk Before I’m Legally Drunk”
Feeling drunk isn’t always a reliable measure of how alcohol affects you. Blood alcohol content rises before you start feeling the effects, and many impaired drivers don’t realize they’ve reached or exceeded the legal limit. This can happen even with moderate wine consumption, depending on how many glasses of wine or other drinks you’ve had.
Myth 6: “Wine Is Healthier, So It’s Safe”
While moderate wine consumption may have health benefits for some, drinking wine in excess can impair your ability to drive just as much as other alcoholic drinks. Drinking red wine or white wine irresponsibly leads to the same negative consequences as consuming hard liquor or regular beer.
What if I Have Been Injured by a Drunk Driver?
If you have been injured, take the following steps to protect yourself.
- Call 911 immediately for emergency assistance.
- Inform paramedics about any pain or discomfort.
- Visit a hospital or doctor for a complete medical evaluation.
- Notify law enforcement and provide a detailed account of the incident.
- Preserve evidence related to the accident. This can strengthen your case for compensation.
- Pursuing legal action against the drunk driver.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving crash in Hawaii, contact Recovery Law Center immediately. Honolulu attorney Glenn Honda has 25 years of experience defending the rights of people who drunk drivers have injured.
Our law firm is available 24/7 and has the experience, skill, and resources to build a strong injury claim on your behalf.
