Driving hungover is almost as dangerous as driving drunk

On Behalf of | Feb 12, 2019 | Uncategorized

Imagine a scenario where you attend a dinner party with close friends. You enjoy reconnecting with your peers over a few glasses of wine and decide to stay the night – because you want to be a safe driver.

The next morning, you realize you had a few too many drinks and woke up to a massive migraine. You want to leave as soon as possible to sleep off the hangover in your bed. But is that the right decision?

Intoxication effects the morning ride

Contrary to popular belief, driving while hungover is similar to driving right after drinking too many drinks. According to Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central, driving hungover may be just as dangerous while driving drunk.

“After a night of drinking, many people will wake up with alcohol still in their blood, or they will wake up tired and disoriented,” Podguski said.

Hungover drivers may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, increased sensitivity to sound and light, shakiness and decreased the ability to concrete. If a driver cannot put their full attention on the road, they put themselves and others at risk.

“We wouldn’t advise that anybody drives with any of these symptoms, regardless of whether they are recovering from a night of drinking or not,” Podguski continued.

Luckily, Pennsylvania drivers may incorporate proper techniques to avoid driving while hungover. They can arrange a sober driver or ride beforehand or rent a hotel room where they can rest after a long night of responsible drinking.

Even waiting a few additional hours for the symptoms to clear before leaving your friend’s house may protect yourself and others from a severe accident. However, if you suspect someone else of driving while hungover, pull over and call the police as soon as it’s safe to do so.

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