Driving whilst over the limit.

[EternalOptimist]

other people

You're only picking on me because I am drunk

[Platypus]

These days I avoid drinking heavily when I know I have to drive the next day.

But in the past, I know I've done this

I must admit I do find it hard to believe that you can still be over the limit 36 hours later - I recall reading that the body metabolises approx 1 unit per hour, so you'd have to be in a right state to be over the limit 36 hours later.

One thing that many don't realise is that the "typical" percentages of booze are much higher than when the "unit" was conceived - it's based on 3.5% beer and 11% wine (IIRC) so ONE large glass of 14% red wine can take someone over the limit.

[Moscow Mule]

Yes technically, but not in reality.

I wasn't drunk on Sunday morning, but I was over the limit.

There's a difference in everything except the driving laws.

The offence isn't "drunk driving" but "driving under the infulence" there's no moral difference.

I've just realised this morning that I might have been over the limit last night when I picked up the car. Felt fine though and had had over 24 hours off the sauce. But the fact is, I definitely had more than 24 units on Sunday.

Edit: Ironically, it was the missus who drove our car into somebody's parked car this morning and she hadn't had a drink all weekend

[Menelaus]

Our livers metabolise things at different rates, as has been noted above.

For example, I'm on some truly mind-altering substances at the moment that mean that my liver is slowly being fcuked over. For that reason, I don't drink at all.

[sasguru]

I wonder why people's lives are so sad that they need the escape of drunkenness, as opposed to enjoying a couple of drinks.
If one needs to get tulip-faced on a regular basis, I would suggest that one's crappy life needs to be addressed and the real issues confronted.
Waking up over the limit indicates a problem.

[TykeMerc]

other people

That's a fact.

A good friend was murdered by a drunk driver one morning, his family are still suffering the consequences.

I don't appreciate people who don't take a responsible approach to drinking when there's any chance they will be driving.

[Mich the Tester]

These days I avoid drinking heavily when I know I have to drive the next day.

But in the past, I know I've done this

I must admit I do find it hard to believe that you can still be over the limit 36 hours later - I recall reading that the body metabolises approx 1 unit per hour, so you'd have to be in a right state to be over the limit 36 hours later.

One thing that many don't realise is that the "typical" percentages of booze are much higher than when the "unit" was conceived - it's based on 3.5% beer and 11% wine (IIRC) so ONE large glass of 14% red wine can take someone over the limit.

Wines are getting stronger on average. All this South African stuff made with very concentrated grapes might taste quite light and easy but some of their supermarket bog standard white wines are about 14.5%.

German or Alsace Rieslings tend to be lighter (10 to 11%) and have plenty of flavour, but good ones can be pricey.

[Cyberman]

Many years ago I had had 5 pints over a few hours and got stopped. The breathalyser measured me as borderline which I think was due to the fact that I had had quite a large meal.

In Australia they have breathalysers in some of the pubs. I was over there 20 years ago near Canberra and saw one and bet my mates that I could get the highest reading. I was not driving, by the way.
Subsequently, after about 6 pints I was at a reading of about 125 and won the bet. I then had another bet that I could get below 100 in one minute. They looked at me astonished as I did about 60 press-ups by the bar and reduced my reading to 90 !!!

[EternalOptimist]

Is it possible to get one of those thingies. That attaches to the ignition system so you cant set off till you blow into it?

[Moscow Mule]

Is it possible to get one of those thingies. That attaches to the ignition system so you cant set off till you blow into it?

Looks like it

http://uk.truveo.com/Incar-breathaly.../id/2817421109