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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) says there are many misconceptions and myths about the combination of alcohol, drugs, and driving. Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey is sharing a few of the MADD myths and facts so that drivers do not feel it is acceptable to drive while impaired.

Myth 1: Many people believe that after drinking or taking drugs they will be capable of making a decision whether or not they are, or someone else is, okay to drive. 

Fact: You can’t tell if someone is safe to drive just by looking at them. Not everyone exhibits obvious signs of impairment after consuming alcohol or drugs, such as slurring their words or having trouble walking. You can’t tell if someone is substance impaired just by looking at them. When alcohol is involved, the amount of alcohol required to become impaired differs according to how fast you drink, your weight, your gender, and how much food you have in your stomach. It’s also possible to drink a small amount of alcohol but because it has been combined with an additional drug, the combination creates a larger amount of impairment. Because of these variables, the safest choice is to not drive after you’ve been drinking or taking drugs that may impair your driving. 

Myth 2: Beer and wine are less intoxicating than hard liquor.

Fact: A 12-ounce can or bottle of beer, a 5-ounce serving of wine, and a 2.5 ounce shot of liquor all have about the same amount of alcohol. A six-pack of beer has about the same alcohol content as six average mixed drinks. However, you can’t tell how much alcohol someone has had by just counting their drinks, or the number of glasses, they consumed. Some mixed drinks contain more than one shot of alcohol. Some people believe that one kind of alcohol affects them more or less than another, but a standard serving of alcohol has the same power to affect the drinker regardless of the type.

Myth 3: As long as the drug is one that’s been prescribed, it’s legal to drive while taking it.

Fact: Some drugs, whether prescribed or illicit, aren’t safe to take while operating a motor vehicle. It’s important that people who are prescribed drugs find out from their doctor whether or not it’s safe to drive after taking their prescription, often this information is written on the prescription bottle. It’s also important to note that if you take a prescribed drug in a larger dose than prescribed or with alcohol, it may cause serious impairment.  

Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident because of the negligence of another, Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey recommends contacting his office for assistance after seeking medical attention.

“Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. is available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. We provide personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.