ALCOHOL & DRIVING Driver Manual Chapter 6

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL Overconfident Unable to think clearly Make more mistakes Even below the legal level of intoxication alcohol will affect driving Driving Under the Influence (DUI) - senses and judgment are impaired by alcohol 2-4 drinks impairs reaction time coordination & balance Combination of anger & alcohol is responsible for much of reckless aggressive driving that fatal highway accidents

How Much is Too Much Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Breath test is used to calculate BAC BAC is determined by 4 factors 1. Amount consumed 2. Body weight 3. How fast it was consumed 4. Food eaten

The best way to reduce the chances of being involved in a drinking and driving accident is not to drink and drive Myths about sobering up Eating Coffee Cold Shower The only thing that makes a person sober is time

BAC LEVEL Blood alcohol concentration – the percent of alcohol in a person’s blood - in NJ, it is illegal to drive when the BAC is: >21 yrs. old <21 yrs. old BAC level of:.05 – doubles risk of crashing.10 – 6x greater risk of crashing.15 – 25x greater risk of crashing

LAWS & TESTS p. 103 IMPLIED CONSENT LAW* - agreement to give police permission to test for drug or alcohol use if arrested for suspicion of drugged or drinking & driving When you sign for your license you are giving consent to test for drugs or alcohol Tests for intoxication 1. Chemical analysis of blood or urine 2. Breath test – penalty for refusal (p. 103)

Penalties Refusal=driving with a BAC of.10% for first offense Loss of license for 7 months- 1year Motor vehicle surcharge of 1,000 a 1yr for 3yrs Failure to pay fee will result in an indefinite suspension until fee is paid

One Drink Equals Its not about what you drink its about how many drink Most people arrested for drinking and driving had been drinking beer 1 12oz beer=1 ½oz whiskey=1 5oz wine

Drinking and Driving Signs Speeding: DUI driver often think their high speed driving is safe Weaving: may have a difficult time stay straight in their lane Slow driving: overly cautious Jerking motion: may have short mental lapses and not keep a steady speed Quick stops: sudden stops rather then easing up

Good Hosts If serving alcohol also provide non-alcohol Serve nutritious foods or snacks Never insist on guest drinking alcohol or refills Stop serving well before party ends Do not allow guest to drink and drive Suggest sleeping over or a nap Notify police if refusal Host may be involved in a lawsuit if a guest is involved in a DUI collision leaving party

Designated Drivers Driver responsible for SAFELY driving friends or family members who have been drinking home.

Drugs and Driving Do not drive if: Prescription drugs or over the counter meds listing drowsiness or dizziness as a side effect Do not operate large machinery Example drugs: cold pills, cough med, or tranquilizers Never mix alcohol with medicine If asked by police you must show proof of prescription or it will be considered illegal

Marijuana and Driving 2 nd most drug found with drivers involved in a collision Affects Loss of tracking ability Distance judgment: following too close Vigilance: Not attentive to driving following too close or drifting Divided attention

Effect of Alcohol & Drugs on Driving Perception Judgment Coordination Vision Mood

Healthy Driving Health: any problems let some one else drive Vision: Most of what a motorist does is based on what he/she sees Get eyes checked every 2yrs or over 40 every year Hearing do not have radio blasting or wear head phones You need to hear horns and sirens