>
Can Drinking Water Help You Pass a Breathalyzer?
The question of whether drinking water can help you pass a breathalyzer test is one that has been debated for a long time. Some people believe that drinking water before taking a breathalyzer test can lower their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level and therefore help them pass the test. Others are skeptical and believe that this is just a myth. In this article, we will explore the science behind breathalyzer tests and see if drinking water can really help you pass one.
The Science Behind Breathalyzer Tests
A breathalyzer test is a common method used by law enforcement to determine a person’s level of intoxication. It measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath and calculates their BAC level. This BAC level is then compared to the legal limit to determine if the person is over the limit and therefore driving under the influence (DUI).
When someone consumes alcohol, it is absorbed into their bloodstream and then circulates throughout their body. A portion of the alcohol is excreted through the lungs, which is why a breathalyzer test can accurately measure BAC levels. However, the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath can be influenced by several factors such as age, gender, weight, and the amount of food in their stomach.
Does Drinking Water Lower Your BAC Level?
One of the main reasons people believe that drinking water can help them pass a breathalyzer test is because they think it will lower their BAC level. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. When a person drinks water, it does not directly lower their BAC level. Instead, it dilutes the alcohol in their breath which can give the false impression of a lower BAC level.
While drinking water may make you feel less intoxicated and more sober, it is just a temporary feeling and does not actually lower your BAC level. The body needs time to process the alcohol, and this process cannot be sped up with water.
The Effects of Drinking Water Before a Breathalyzer Test
Drinking water before taking a breathalyzer test may actually have a negative effect on the results. Since alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and then expelled through the lungs, drinking water may cause more alcohol to be absorbed before the test is taken. This means that your BAC level may actually be higher than it would have been if you had not consumed water before the test.
In addition, drinking water may also cause the alcohol in your stomach to enter your bloodstream more quickly, leading to a higher BAC level and possibly resulting in a failed breathalyzer test.
Other Ways to Pass a Breathalyzer Test
Instead of relying on drinking water to help you pass a breathalyzer test, there are other things you can do to lower your BAC level and avoid a DUI charge.
One way is to wait it out. The body naturally metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about one drink per hour. So, if you have had one drink, waiting an hour before taking a breathalyzer test may lower your BAC level below the legal limit. However, this is not a foolproof method, and it is always better to avoid drinking and driving altogether.
Another way is to use a breath freshening product. These products are designed to eliminate alcohol vapors in your mouth and therefore can lower the amount of alcohol measured by the breathalyzer. However, these products are not always effective, and some may even produce false results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking water before taking a breathalyzer test will not lower your BAC level and may actually cause more harm than good. The best way to avoid a DUI charge is to not drink and drive. If you do decide to drink, make sure to wait enough time for your body to process the alcohol or use a designated driver.
Disclaimer:
This article is for information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. The author is not responsible for any consequences that may arise from following the information in this article. Always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
