The police may ask drivers who have been pulled over under the suspicion of drunk driving to take a “breath” test. A breath test is a small portable device that the police can use to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) of drivers. If the BAC levels are above the legal limit, drivers may face DUI charges.
Some people may try to trick breath tests by sucking on pennies. In theory, the penny would cause the breath test to read too high or too low, making the test invalid. The truth is that sucking on a penny is absolutely useless. It’s just a myth that’s commonly spread around.
There are many DUI myths. These myths may cause people to take actions that lead to criminal charges. Here are a couple more myths you should avoid:
Myth 1: You can drive safely if you mix alcohol and coffee
Truth: It’s often thought that coffee can reduce or eliminate the effects of alcohol, making it safer to drive and avoid police suspicion. Because coffee is an adrenaline and alcohol is a depressant, reducing the effects of alcohol would theoretically work. However, drivers are more likely to feel the effects of both coffee and alcohol, which can cause them to drive worse.
Myth 2: You always have to answer any question asked by the police
Truth: The police may ask drivers questions during traffic stops intended to gather evidence. These questions may include asking if the driver was drinking or if they were at a bar. Under the Fifth Amendment, drivers can refuse to answer questions that would be self-incriminating.
It can be frustrating when a common myth causes someone to suffer from a DUI charge. Drivers may need to be aware of their legal rights when defending against criminal charges.