HOLIDAYSBURG – PennDOT, the state’s DUI Association and law enforcement agencies recently hosted an event to highlight alcohol-related myths at Marzoni’s Brick Oven and Brewing Co. in Duncansville. The event presented information to educate motorists prior to the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period.
Some common alcohol-related misconceptions and facts include:
- Myth: Beer doesn’t have as much alcohol as “hard liquor.” Fact: Beer with about a 5-percent alcohol content by volume contains as much “pure” alcohol or ethanol as 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor or 5 ounces of table wine (12 percent alcohol by volume). Each of these constitutes one drink;
- Myth: Coffee will sober up an intoxicated person. Fact: Caffeine, cold showers and exercise have no sobering effect on an intoxicated person. The body processes approximately one drink every hour. Only time can sober someone up;
- Myth: Placing pennies in your mouth will lower your blood-alcohol content reading on a breath tester. Fact: Pennies, onions, garlic and or other items will not lower a person’s blood alcohol content; and
- Myth: It is better to refuse a breath- or blood-alcohol test. Fact: Just by being licensed to drive in Pennsylvania, a person has agreed to submit to chemical testing. This is referred to as the Implied Consent Law. Failure to submit to such tests will result in an automatic one-year license suspension.
Motorists are reminded to always designate a sober driver. Impaired driving includes not only driving under the influence of alcohol, but also prescription or illegal drugs.
State and local police will be on patrol throughout Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, Potter and Somerset counties during the holiday enforcement period.
To learn more, visit www.JustDrivePA.com.
