When "just don't drink" is obviously not an option. Like any good ole' boy, I like to have a few at the bar whether out with the guys or out with my wife. Let's face it, prohibition ended 70 years ago and I'm going to have a beer, no question about it. Luckily, so far, American states do not adopt a zero-tolerance for alcoholic drinks and have established limits of acceptable blood alcohol content level (BAC). Zero Tolerance does apply however to probationary drivers, as well as convicted DUI and learner drivers. The main caveat to drinking is that some can tolerate more than others, and while a person may not appear drunk in the least, his or her BAC may be above the legal limit.
The U.S remains among the select few countries that will allow a BAC of .08, along with Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, the UK and very few others to my knowledge. The rest of the world is either zero tolerant (Arab areas, Romania, Brazil) or otherwise what would be the equivalent of 1 beer. I guess in the scheme of worldwide sentiment, U.S. drinkers don't have it all bad in the realm of government control.
But on to the topic - alcohol has a lagging effect from the time it's consumed until the body begins to process it, and further, the time it takes to feel it. This lag effect is the dangerous part of drinking more than 3 or 4 drinks in one sitting when out on the town. Because there are so many variables of toxicity in people, I can speak only in general, but it usually serves as a good baseline if you want to stay out of the back of the city's finest cab.
Considerations:
Male and females tolerate a drink differently; Male bodies are made up of less water and therefore tend to dispense of alcohol faster, thus increasing the amount of intake before reaching the current legal limit of .08.
Body weight; Heavier body weight will absorb more alcohol before reaching the body's blood stream also reducing the BAC level.
Tolerance; This is the dangerous part of drinking in that a person may feel just great, a little happy, but can walk and talk perfectly. However, if given a breath test, they may be well over the legal limit. This is the most dangerous part, and some say, the most unfair part of the DUI conviction.
Some of the best defenses of avoiding a DUI;
Know the area of town, are there roadblocks or does the area not allow them.
Know your state's rules on the subject and don't find yourself out too late, thus making yourself a target by being one of the few cars on the road.
Obey all the traffic rules. Stop on red, even if turning right, don't make wide turns over several lanes, don't drive over the speed limit, or too slow.
Most of all, know your own BAC, 4 beers for a guy, 2 or 3 for a girl in an hour is usually keeping it safe. Depending on tolerance, some can feel loopy after half a glass, and some can drive fine after 10 beers. Therefore, you not only need to know your own limitations but also know what the law requires in the event you are pulled over.
As I mentioned, I am speaking only in general terms for the average person of weight and tolerance. You can be accused of DUI, even if you are not over the BAC limit based on your driving and your actions, so you must know how alcoholic drinks will affect you personally.