June 3, 2025 | Car Accidents
Some people who drink have thought at one point, “Can you have one drink and drive safely after?” For many, it seems like a harmless assumption—one drink doesn’t feel like too much.
But the facts about how alcohol affects your body and your motor skills might surprise you. The bottom line is that it isn’t a good idea to drive after having anything to drink.
Experts recommend waiting at least one hour for every standard drink you’ve had before getting behind the wheel. A standard drink typically means 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, each containing about the same amount of alcohol.
Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a way to measure how much alcohol is in your bloodstream. Law enforcement uses this number to see if someone is legally impaired while driving.
The amount isn’t based on how you feel or whether you think you’re “fine.” It’s about the number that comes back from a blood or breath test.
In most states, including Illinois, it’s illegal to drive when your BAC is .08% or higher.
You Can Get in Trouble Even if Your BAC is Under .08
Many people believe that as long as their BAC is under .08%, they can’t get into legal trouble for driving after drinking. However, this isn’t always true.
If someone causes a crash, even with a BAC below the legal alcohol limit, they can still be arrested for driving under the influence or face civil liability for causing injuries if they were drinking before the accident.
Even One Drink Affects Your Ability to Drive
Many people don’t realize how quickly alcohol can make driving more dangerous. Even if you feel alert after a drink, the effects on your mind and body start sooner than you might expect.
Impairment Starts Right Away
It only takes a small amount of alcohol to change how you think and move. Sometimes people don’t even notice these early changes, but they are there.
Even at low BAC levels, alcohol can slow your judgment and make you more likely to take risks you normally wouldn’t. Decision-making becomes compromised, and your reaction times are slower than if you were sober.
Physical and Mental Impairment
After a drink, alcohol makes it harder to concentrate and carry out simple movements and tasks.
As your body processes the alcohol, you may have trouble keeping your attention focused on the road. Some common signs—even after a single drink—include drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and blurred vision.
Even if you think you can drive after one beer and get home safely, it’s never a good idea, even if you feel fine. Every day, around 34 lives are lost to drunk-driving crashes in the United States. In 2023 alone, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving accidents.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in DUI Accident Claims
The aftermath of a DUI accident can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for those left with injuries. A personal injury lawyer is important in helping victims recover physically and financially.
Handling Evidence
Having strong evidence can change the outcome of a case. Personal injury lawyers know how to collect important documents such as police reports, gather witness statements, obtain video footage, and capture accident scene photos.
By organizing and presenting this information, they build a case that clearly shows what happened and who is responsible.
Fighting for Fair Compensation
There is more to a settlement than just covering immediate medical bills. An experienced lawyer helps ensure you’re compensated for things like pain and suffering, missed time at work, ongoing treatments, and any future needs related to your injury. They fight to secure the actual value of your claim.
If you have any questions about a claim involving a drunk driver, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We offer free consultations with our Chicago DUI accident lawyer to discuss your case.
Contact our Car Accident Law Firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400
Open 24/7