Forget the old “one drink per hour” rule. That’s a party trick, not a science. Your body processes alcohol at a fixed rate—roughly one standard drink per hour, but only after you stop drinking.
If you had three glasses of wine over four hours, you’re not sober at hour five. You’re still processing the last one. The math is simple: start counting from your last sip, not your first.
Why Your “Legal Limit” Isn’t Your Safe Limit
In the U.S., a BAC of 0.08% is the legal line. But impairment begins much earlier. At 0.02%, your tracking ability dips. At 0.05%, coordination slackens. That’s why many countries enforce lower limits, and why ride-share apps are your best friend.
Here’s the kicker: you can be under 0.08% and still be dangerously impaired. The law is a floor, not a ceiling. Your judgment is the real compass, and it’s often the first thing alcohol dims.
