What is the recommended amount of recovery time after consuming alcohol before driving?

The recommended amount of recovery time after consuming alcohol before driving is at least one hour per drink consumed, but sober is always best. This guideline is based on the average body’s ability to metabolize alcohol. On average, the human body processes about one standard drink per hour. Therefore, allowing at least one hour for each drink consumed helps ensure that individuals are significantly below the legal blood alcohol concentration limit when they drive.

The additional note that "sober is always best" serves as a strong reminder that the safest option is to avoid driving altogether if alcohol has been consumed, regardless of the timing or amount. This is because even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

The other options suggest varying recovery times, which may not align with the real physiological effects of alcohol metabolism. For example, while two hours per drink might seem prudent, it is not a widely accepted guideline. Similarly, a very short recovery time of fifteen minutes is inadequate, and the idea of instant recovery after eating food is a misconception, as food only affects the absorption rate of alcohol and does not speed up the body's ability to process it.