How to tell if you're over 0.05

You can't. Because alcohol affects different people in different ways.
Your blood alcohol content is affected by

• your body size and fat ratio
• your gender
• how much and how long since you've eaten
• your fitness level and
• whether you're taking any drugs or medication.

Even your mood can make a difference to your BAC.

As a general rule, men should drink no more than two standard drinks in the first hour and one standard drink every hour after that. Women should drink no more than one standard drink every hour. But even then, some people (especially women) may reach 0.05. And your BAC continues to rise after your last drink, so if you drink a lot at night, you may still be above 0.05 in the morning.

The only way to reduce your BAC is to allow time for your body to metabolise the alcohol. Drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, chewing gum, exercising, using a breath freshener or making yourself vomit will not reduce your BAC level.

So if you think you're going to drink, it's safer not to drive at all. Instead:

• designate a non-drinking driver
• take public transport or a taxi
• arrange for someone to pick you up, or
• stay the night.

If you think you may be near 0.05, the only safe thing is not to drive.

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