Common Myths Debunked

• “One beer won’t hurt.” Even a single drink can slow your reflexes and impair judgment. Alcohol begins affecting coordination and cognitive function from your very first sip, making that “just-one-beer” drive riskier than you think.

• “I’m used to drinking, so I’m fine.” Tolerance can mask impairment but doesn’t eliminate it. Feeling more comfortable after a few drinks doesn’t mean your reaction time or decision-making have returned to normal.

• “I’ll just wait 15 minutes.” Short waits won’t undo the effects of alcohol. Your liver processes alcohol slowly—on average about one standard drink per hour—so you’re still impaired long after the buzz fades (source: NIAAA, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov).

How Alcohol Tolerance Varies

Alcohol doesn’t affect everyone equally. Key factors include:

• Body weight & composition: A lighter person reaches a higher BAC from the same drink compared to someone heavier.

• Gender differences: Women often absorb alcohol faster and achieve higher BACs than men after the same number of drinks.

• Metabolism & health: Genetics, medication, food in your stomach, hydration, and even how fast you drink all influence your personal BAC.

Because of these variables, the same “two beers” scenario can leave one traveler just under the limit and another well over it.

Why Legal Limits Aren’t Enough

Across Europe, BAC limits vary widely—from 0.02% in some countries to 0.08% in others (source: European Transport Safety Council, https://etsc.eu/key-facts-on-road-safety). But even if you know your destination’s legal ceiling, that number doesn’t guarantee safety:

1. Individual variability: Your BAC could be higher or lower than someone else’s after identical drinking.

2. Unexpected police checks: Random breath tests happen without warning. A small miscalculation could lead to fines, license suspension, or worse.

3. Night driving & fatigue: Drinking in the evening compounds with tiredness behind the wheel, further slowing reaction time.

Legal compliance is just the baseline. True safety comes from understanding your own impairment and making conservative choices.

Use Our BAC Calculator as an Educational Tool

Instead of guessing, use a tool that factors in your personal details. Our BAC calculator lets you enter:

• Number of drinks & drink types

• Body weight & gender

• Drinking duration

It then estimates your blood alcohol content so you can plan ahead—not push the limit. Remember, it’s an estimate, not a law-enforcement device or medical test.

Not sure if you’re under the limit? Try our BAC calculator

When in Doubt—Take a Taxi

If you’re not 100% sure you’re safe to drive, don’t risk it. Taxis, rideshares, or public transport are affordable ways to get back to your accommodation without endangering yourself or others. The cost of a sober ride is always far less than a fine—or a life-changing accident.