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Alcohol content in different drinks

It’s important to keep track of not only the number of drinks you consume on your night out, but also the type of drinks. Different types of alcoholic beverages vary in their alcohol content, and therefore some beverages may cause higher levels of intoxication than others. Before you make the decision to drive home from your night on the town, it’s important to assess how much alcohol is actually in your system to determine if you’re legally allowed to drive.

Even if you feel you are sober enough to properly operate your vehicle, a police officer can still pull you over on suspicion of driving under the influence. If the officer asks you how many drinks he or she had before, he or she may assume that he has consumed much more alcohol than he actually did. A person who drank three mixed drinks consumed much more alcohol than someone who drank three beers. Remember that the officer can use any statement he makes against you to charge you with DUI.

Typically, a standard drink is defined by graphs and statistics such as:

  • One 12-oz. beer. Many beers contain around 5% alcohol, although others vary in their alcohol content. Some specialty beers can have an alcohol content ranging from 12% to more than 20% alcohol, while light beers often contain less than 5% alcohol. While beer is often served in a 12-ounce glass, it can sometimes be served in 16-, 18-, or 22-ounce glasses, depending on the establishment.
  • A 4 oz glass of wine. Most wines have a similar alcohol content, and a 4 to 5 oz glass is the equivalent of a standard drink. A wine cooler contains the same amount of alcohol as a glass of wine.
  • A shot of 80 degree liquor. 80 proof liquor is 40% alcohol by volume. Most whiskeys, vodkas, rums, and tequilas have an 80 proof, although some can vary, such as “151” rum, named after its proof.

Although there are standard or traditional recipes for certain mixed drinks, most mixed drinks are highly variable in their alcohol content. Different establishments use different amounts and types of spirits in their mixed drinks. While one bartender may use one shot of 80 proof liquor in a particular drink, another may use two shots along with another type of liquor. Therefore, not all variations of the same drink have the same alcoholic content.

By taking into account the likely amount of alcohol in each drink you consume during the night, you can make a better informed decision about your ability to drive. For more information on issues related to DUI charges, visit the website of Rhode Island drunk driving attorney James Powderly.

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