Alcohol, Other Drugs, And Driving

7.1 Effects of Alcohol on Driving Safely7.2 Other Drugs and Driving7.3 Traffic Laws and Governing the Use of Alcohol7.4 Coping with Peer Pressure

Alcohol Facts•Young drinking drivers are involved in fatal crashes at twice the rate of drivers aged 21 and older•Drivers aged 16 through 20 are more likely to be alcohol-impaired than any other group

•Nearly half of those killed in alcohol related collisions had not been drinking but were victims of drunk drivers•More than half of all fatalities during holidays are alcohol related.

Alcohol Affects Behavior

Just one drink can effect the way a person thinks or behaves

Alcohol and Mental Abilities

Acts like an anesthetic on the brain, slowing down activity

Judgment and Reasoning

•Driver effected by alcohol has decreased ability to reason and make sound judgments•Euphoria – a false sense of well being.

Vision

Alcohol distorts vision effecting driver’s orderly search pattern

InhibitionsAlcohol weakens a persons inhibitions, the inner forces of personality that restrain or hold back impulsive behavior.

Physical Abilities and Alcohol

Muscular movements, reflexes, and balance begins to slow down.

Reaction Time and Coordination

Reflexes and coordination becomes slow and clumsy

Seeing and Speaking Abilities

•Peripheral vision, night vision, color vision, and depth perception become impaired.•Speech may become slurred and fuzzy

Other Physical Problems•Breathing and heartbeat impaired•Death can occur if large quantities are consumed over a short period of time

Blood Alcohol Concentration

B.A.C. – the amount of alcohol in the blood stream

Factors Affecting BAC

1. Amount consumed

2. Amount of time3. Person’s body

weight

Controlling Impairment

•Alcohol is absorbed quickly and leaves the body slowly•It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hour to rid the body of one drink •Only time can rid the body of BAC

Myths and Truths About Alcohol

True or False:One little drink wont hurt

me.

FALSE

Myths and Truths About Alcohol

True or False:I will not be affected

because I am only drinking beer

FALSE

Myths and Truths About Alcohol

True or False:I can drive better after a

few drinks

FALSE

Myths and Truths About Alcohol

True or False:A young person cannot

become a problem drinker

FALSE

Reduce the driving risk by having a designated driver

Over The Counter

Medicines

May have many side effects like; •Dizziness•Drowsiness•Slowed reaction time•Poor judgment

Prescription Medicine

Make sure you heed the warnings on the labels

Depressants

A drug that can slow or depress the central nervous system.•Barbiturates•Sleeping pills•Tranquilizers

Myths and Truths About Alcohol

True or False:You can sober up by

drinking black coffee, taking a cold shower, or doing exercise.

FALSE

Stimulants

Can speed up or stimulate the central nervous system•Energy drinks•Ephiphadrine

Hallucinogens

•Mind altering drugs that can alter personality and cause panic or terror.•They distort a person’s sense of direction, distance, and time.•Marijuana•LSD

Combining Drugs

•Drug-alcohol combinations increase driving risks.•Combining drugs has a multiplied effect.

21

All 50 states require a person to be 21 years of age to purchase or consume alcohol

Implied-Consent LawYou automatically give your consent when you sign your license to be tested for drinking or other drugs.

Levels of Intoxication•DWI – Driving While Intoxicated means having a BAC of .08 or higher•DUI – Driving Under the Influence means you can have a lower BAC level but still have it affect your ability to drive.•In Illinois we can a BAC of .08 a DUI

Penalties for Conviction

•Suspension or revocation of drivers license•Payment of fine•Prison term

Zero Tolerance LawIt is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in the blood.

Chemical TestingIntoxilyzer – breath testing machine most commonly used for measuring BAC levels.

Field Sobriety Test

On the spot roadside tests that help an officer detect an impaired driver.

Nystagmus – the involuntary jerking of the eyes as a person gazes side to side

If You Are Stopped…

1. Stay in your vehicle2. Follow the officers directions3. Show license and insurance4. Make no sudden or

unexpected movements

Peer Pressure

Influence of others of a similar age

Positive Peer Pressure

When peers what to be helpful and encourage

you to do the right thing

Negative Peer Pressure

When others encourage you to do other things that are

wrong or dangerous

Making Responsible Decisions

1. Is it safe?2. Is it legal?3. What would my parents

think?4. Does it show respect for

myself and others?

Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk

This is Jackie

Jackie with her dad

Jackie hanging out with her friends

• The car in which Jacqueline traveled. She was hit by another car that was driven by a 17-year old male student on his way home after drinking a couple of hard packs with his friends.

This was in December 1999.