It is 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 can cause higher levels of intoxication than others. Before making the decision to drive home after a night on the town, it is important to assess how much alcohol is actually in your system to determine if you are legally allowed to drive.

Even if you feel that you are sober enough to properly operate your vehicle, a police officer can still stop you on suspicion that you are driving under the influence of alcohol. If the officer asks you how many drinks you had before, you can assume that you have consumed much more alcohol than you actually do. A person who had three mixed drinks consumed much more alcohol than someone who had three beers. Remember that the officer can use any statement made 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 that ranges from 12% to more than 20% alcohol, while light beers often contain less than 5% alcohol. While beer is often served in a 12 oz glass, it can sometimes be served in 16, 18 or 22 oz glasses, depending on the establishment.
• A 4 oz glass of wine. Most wines have a similar alcohol content, and a 4-5 oz glass is equivalent to a standard drink. A wine cooler contains the same amount of alcohol as a glass of wine.
• A shot of 80 proof liquor. 80 proof liquor is 40% alcohol by volume. Most whiskeys, vodkas, rums, and tequilas are 80 proof, though some can vary, like “151” rum, named for its grade.

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

By being aware of 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.