Alcohol metabolism and its impact on driving safety

The duration for alcohol to leave the human body varies significantly based on factors such as sex, weight, metabolism, and the amount consumed. While estimates provide general guidelines, they are not a definitive method for determining when it is safe to drive.

According to estimates from the road safety organization Road Respect, a single glass of wine takes approximately 3.5 hours to metabolize, while five glasses can take over 17 hours. A single beer is estimated to take about 2.5 hours, and a single shot of spirits takes roughly 1.5 hours.

Medical experts note that alcohol can remain detectable in the body for extended periods: it may be found in the blood for up to 12 hours, in urine for 12 to 24 hours, and in exhaled breath for up to 24 hours. Total presence in the organism can range between 6 and 72 hours. Experts warn that alcohol impairs driving by slowing reflexes, narrowing visual fields, and causing drivers to misjudge distances and speeds.