ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s common knowledge by now that consuming alcohol and driving is not only against the law — it’s also incredibly dangerous.
What many may not know is that this doesn’t just extend to cars.
Under state law, someone is considered guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) if he/she is in “physical control” of a vehicle while under the effects of alcohol or other controlled substances.
But that same chapter of state law also defines a “vehicle” as follows:
“Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a street or highway, except personal delivery devices, mobile carriers, and devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.”
Florida s. 316.003(109)
This means that even if you’re riding on something as innocuous as a bicycle, you can still face a DUI charge if you get caught under the influence.
For example, Winter Springs police took 34-year-old Kyle Blanton into custody back in February on a DUI charge after he fell backward off his e-bike and showed signs of intoxication, an arrest report shows.
[RELATED: Paramedic faces DUI charge after being found unconscious behind wheel, police say]
In fact, the broad definition of “vehicle” means that even riding something like a horse can net you a charge. This exact scenario happened to a woman in Polk County back in 2017.
The woman — identified as Donna Byrne — was accused of DUI after deputies said they found her riding a horse along the side of the road while smelling like alcohol.
While she initially was accused of DUI, court records show that Byrne was ultimately found guilty of disorderly intoxication and culpable negligence instead.
Regardless of the legal implications, it’s still not a good idea to drive while drunk.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, drivers can experience the following symptoms while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs:
- A slowed reaction time
- Limited short-term memory functions
- Decreased hand-eye coordination
- Weakened concentration
- Difficulty perceiving time and distance
As such, driving impaired can be dangerous for yourselves and others on the road around you.
“Just because your horsepower comes from your legs instead of an engine doesn’t mean alcohol suddenly becomes a performance enhancer. Impairment is impairment,” News 6’s Trooper Steve said. “The good news? The solution is simple: If you’ve had too much to drink, don’t ride. Your dignity may survive an awkward phone call asking for a ride home. A DUI? That’s a much tougher conversation.”
[RELATED: What Florida drivers need to know about red-light cameras]