More than half of the drivers drinkers incorrectly assess their sobriety

Almost 90% of Poles declared alcohol consumption during last year's picnic – according to the UCE Research and groupist group. Every year on May long weekend many people plan domestic and foreign trips by car. According to Alcosense's research, 15% of drivers are of the opinion that in order to be able to get behind the wheel after drinking one beer, just wait an hour. Meanwhile, it is after this time that alcohol reaches the highest concentration in the body.

This year, taking one day of vacation – May 2 – allows you to extend the weekend to 4 days. It is customary during the picnic Poles willingly reach for alcoholic beverages. At this time, consumers are often tempted by 12 bottles type promotions + 12 for free. This year's May weekend is the last one during which such an offer will appear – the Ministry of Health wants to prohibit such promotions since 2026.

Problems with the assessment of sobriety and getting rid of alcohol

When assessing their sobriety, Poles are often based on well -being. According to Alcosense, over 65% of drivers decided to drive a car after drinking alcohol. As the most effective way to get rid of alcohol from the body, the respondents indicated physical activity. Over 7% also believed in the myth that the consumption of a greasy meal would allow faster to obtain sobriety. The use of such methods and ways to assess the situation can lead to the phenomenon of so -called Unaware of intoxication – a misconception that there is no longer alcohol in the body.

– To avoid the legal consequences of unconscious intoxication, it's best to give up driving. Soving after the party or giving the keys to someone else will be the safest option. The so -called Promili calculators, but you should not rely on them. The only effective and safe determinant of sobriety is a calibrated and good -quality personal breathalyzer examination. It is worth buying it to make sure that you can drive a vehicle – says Hunter Abbott, an expert
Alcosense laboratories.

Tightened penalties for drunk drivers

Some people going on a picnic by car will also reach for alcohol. According to Polish law, the permissible limit in the body while driving is up to 0.2 per mil. The pace of achieving this level depends on many factors. Sometimes two beers are enough to achieve one promil – five times more than the permissible limit.

If the alcohol concentration is from 0.2 to 0.5 per mil, the driver can receive a fine of up to PLN 30,000, imprisonment of up to 30 days or restriction of liberty to 90 days. The driving license loses a minimum of 6 months and receives 15 penalty points.

In turn, in the case of a measurement indicating above 0.5 per mil, he is already threatened with deprivation of liberty up to 3 years, loss of driving license, financial penalty up to PLN 60,000. If a drunk driver causes an accident, he can wait for deprivation of liberty up to 15 years. In extreme cases, after exceeding 1.5 per mil, the police may temporarily occupy the vehicle, and the court has the right to decide its confiscation.

What limits should be observed abroad?

According to the study of the Polish Tourist Agency, over 40% of Poles intend to go on a picnic this year. In turn, every tenth respondent plans such a trip abroad. Some of these people will go by their own car or rent it on the spot and it will certainly be useful to familiarize yourself with local limits.

In countries south of Poland – in Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic, the law is rigorous and the limit is 0.0. In Austria, it is 0.5 per mil, but only for experienced drivers who have a driving license for over 2 years. The others are limited to 0.1 per mil.

Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Cyprus have an equal limit for experienced drivers – 0.5 per mille and from 0.0 to 0.3 per mille for the others. A slightly larger limit applies to Malta liked by Poles – 0.8 per mil.

The height of foreign fines may also discourage the car after drinking alcohol. For example, in the Czech Republic, such a punishment is up to 1000 euros. In Austria, in turn, it depends on the alcohol concentration, but it reaches up to 5900 euros. It is also similar in Italy – there are up to 10,000 euros with high alcohol in the body.

During the upcoming picnic, remember about the responsible approach to drinking alcohol and driving a car. It is worth getting acquainted with the legal consequences that threaten to travel in the influence in Poland and other countries.