Food, Fatigue & That ‘Safe’ Pint: Why One Drink Tips Some Drivers Over the Limit

Is One Drink Safe? The Factors That Change Everything

FAQ

• Q: What’s the legal limit?

• A: 50 mg per 100 ml of blood for most drivers; 20 mg for learners and professional drivers https://drinkaware.ie/facts/drink-driving-in-ireland/

• Q: Does food help?

• A: It slows absorption but doesn’t stop it. You may peak later – often while you’re already driving.

• Q: Why do slim people get drunk faster?

• A: In part, due to less body water → higher concentration.

Hidden fears

• “I only had two drinks – will the judge believe me?”

• “I was exhausted after a 12-hour shift – did that matter?”

• “I ate a big meal – surely that saved me?”

We deal with the myths, show how factors stack, and explain why time, not tricks, is the only reliable safety net.

Myth-busting highlights

Popular Belief	Reality in Court
Big meal = safe	Peak BAC can happen 1-6 hrs later; Garda breath test often catches the rise.
Coffee sobers you	Only the liver clears alcohol – roughly 1 standard drink per hour.
I felt fine	Judges rely on scientific readings, not feelings.

Final Word

If uncertainty is keeping you awake, swap guesswork for facts.

Ring Patrick tomorrow.

10 minutes on the phone can reveal whether the science backs or breaks your case.

After all, its the choice between going off the road or driving home.

And everyone wants to drive home.