The penalties associated with a DUI conviction in the state of Oklahoma are harsh. Still, many people drink and drive and risk arrest by law enforcement.
If you believe you are fine to drive after having a few drinks, you might think better of the idea if you know how alcohol affects your body.
Destination liver
When alcohol enters your system, it reacts negatively on your nervous system. The issues begin when the stomach and intestinal walls absorb the alcohol. It then enters your bloodstream and lingers there, waiting for your liver to metabolize it. Even if you do not have any health problems with your liver, it may take one to three hours to metabolize one drink, depending on a number of factors.
Effects on driving
When there is a BAC level as little as 0.02 percent, you will feel relaxed and experience an altered mood and some loss of judgment. At a BAC level of 0.05 percent, your coordination will be adversely affected. Your judgment will be further impaired, and you will have trouble steering a vehicle. When your BAC level rises to 0.08 percent—the level at which it is illegal to drive—it will be harder for you to concentrate or detect possible problems. Your brain will not be able to process information properly and you will have poor muscle coordination. Blurry vision, slower reaction time and inability to reason out potentially dangerous situations will make driving very risky.
A deadly idea
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, drunk driving is involved in about one-third of the car crash deaths in the U.S. In the decade between 2006 and 2016, more than 10,000 people died every year as the result of drunk driving accidents. Some people still get behind the wheel when their BAC level is 0.15 percent and above. If law enforcement stops you on suspicion of DUI in Oklahoma, you may face severe penalties, beginning with the loss of your driving privileges. It is wise to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
