Author
Home > Automobile > What is the Difference Between Drunk Driving and Buzzed Driving?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Drunk Driving and Buzzed Driving?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The terms "drunk driving" and "buzzed driving" are often used interchangeably, and both are considered dangerous and illegal. The main difference between the two lies in the degree of alcohol impairment:

  • Buzzed driving refers to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01% to .07%. This is below the legal limit in most states, but it is still considered dangerous and can lead to accidents.
  • Drunk driving generally refers to having a BAC of .08% or higher, which is the legal limit for driving in most states.

In both cases, any amount of alcohol in the body can impair driving, and being "buzzed" is not considered significantly different from being drunk when it comes to the potential risks associated with driving. Research has shown that drivers with a BAC of just .01% are 46% more likely to cause accidents than sober drivers.

Legally, there is no distinction between buzzed and drunk driving. In the State of Colorado, for example, both drunk driving and buzzed driving are considered criminal offenses, even if the driver's BAC is below the legal limit. The key message is that if you drink, do not get behind the wheel, as even a small amount of alcohol can impair your driving and increase the risk of accidents.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Drunk Driving and Buzzed Driving?
  • Comparative Table: Drunk Driving vs Buzzed Driving

    • Comparative Table: Drunk Driving vs Buzzed Driving

    The difference between drunk driving and buzzed driving lies in the degree of alcohol impairment and the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits. However, many sources argue that there is no significant difference between the two in terms of the risks they pose on the road.

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between drunk and buzzed driving:

    Aspect Buzzed Driving Drunk Driving
    Definition A "buzz" occurs at levels under 0.08 BAC and can vary with the individual. A driver is considered drunk when their BAC is 0.08% or higher, which is the legal limit for driving in most states.
    Impairment Alcohol impairs a driver's judgment and slows their reflexes, both of which are needed for safe driving. Alcohol reduces the function of the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, which are essential for operating a vehicle safely.
    Legal Consequences In California, there is no distinction between buzzed driving and drunk driving. Any DUI charge can have long-term effects on your future. Charges range from misdemeanors to felony offenses, and penalties for impaired driving can include driver's license revocation, fines, and jail time.
    Accident Risk Buzzed driving can lead to car accidents, as any amount of alcohol in a person's system can affect their ability to control a car. Drunk driving crashes are a significant problem, with about 31% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involving drunk drivers.

    It is essential to remember that both buzzed and drunk driving can lead to accidents and severe consequences. The safest approach is to avoid driving after consuming any amount of alcohol.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.