Myth 1: Sucking on a Penny

This myth states that by sucking on a penny, the copper in the penny will confuse the machine and result in a low reading. Ultimately, Pennies are no longer 100% copper or almost all copper. Since 1982, pennies have been made of zinc with only a copper coating. So, ultimately, even if this myth was true, modern pennies will not work. Furthermore, due to certain mouth washes and other oral agents containing alcohol, police office will ask whether you have something in your mouth and are trained to do so. Most people in the legal system involved with DUIs have heard of this myth. The likely result is that they will note in the police report that they found you sucking on a handful of pennies, which will be used as evidence that subjectively, even you thought you were drunk.

Myth 2: Probably the most common myth is that food will decrease your BAC.

We have all seen it: the friend suggesting we eat to sober up a bit. This would be part myth and part truth, however. The food part itself is a myth. Food will never reduce your BAC, bread does not soak up the alcohol, and grease does not break up the alcohol. However, the act of eating does take time and metabolizing the alcohol is the only way to reduce your BAC. But, chances are, if you are so drunk that you think you need to eat food to sober up, chances are you should simply take a taxi anyway. Similarly, drinking coffee also does nothing to reduce your BAC.

Myth 3: Taking a shower

Showing does nothing to reduce your BAC. It is actually very easy to disprove this myth. Alcohol on your inside is what makes you drunk. It would follow that water on your outside will have no impact on the chemical reaction between the alcohol inside your body and your body. Some think it will make you more alert or awake. Much like coffee, it will only make you a more alert drunk person, your BAC won’t change and your motor skills will still be impaired while driving.

Myth 4: Chugging mouthwash or using breath spray

People think that by chugging mouthwash or other oral agent with alcohol in it, the officer is therefore, unable to prove you were drunk prior to ingesting it. However, remember: you are doing acts for deceptive purposes to hide your drunken state which will be used against you in court. If you are impaired, you can still get a DUI in the State of Washington if your BAC is below the legal limit of 0.08. Also, it will indeed spike your BAC possibly resulting in a false positive. But, all you proved is you drank alcohol in front of the police officer while behind the wheel of your vehicle and now you are above the legal limit. Attorneys can work out a better deal with the prosecutor if you have a low BAC, but it is increasingly more difficult if you give the police officer a hard time, are deceptive, try to tamper with evidence, or your BAC is well above the legal limit.

Every week, the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer handles about 5 or more DUIs every week. We have the knowledge and experience to fight to get you the best outcome for your case. If you have been charged with a DUI, DWLS as a result of past DUI, or you have violated a term of your release following a DUI, please do not hesitate to call us immediately at (360) 334-6277.