Ch 6 Drinking Drugs Health Smojver Effects of

Ch. 6: Drinking, Drugs, & Health Smojver

Effects of Alcohol § Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means that a driver’s senses & judgment are impaired. § After just 2, 3, or 4 drinks alcohol begins to impair reaction time, coordination, and balance.

DUI vs DWI § § § Driving Under the Influence: DUI Driving While Intoxicated: DWI Some states make a difference between the two

Alcohol § Alcohol is a depressant § It affects the central nervous system as an anesthetic, lowering the activity of the brain. § It is not digested, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and carried to all parts of the body. § The brain is more immediately affected than any other organ because of the amount of blood it requires to function.

Sobering Up § The only thing that can sober a person up is… § Coffee? § Food? § Cold shower? § Sleep…close… TIME!!!

How much is too much? § § § A breath test will show a motorists BAC = Blood Alcohol Concentration 4 Determining Factors: § Quantity of Alcohol Consumed § Body Weight § How quickly drinks were consumed § Food eaten § Carbonated drinks enter blood stream faster

Driving Accidents § The best way to reduce the risk of crash caused by drinking and driving is to not drink & drive! § Alcohol lowers your inhibitions

BAC Limits § Motorists 21+ cannot drive with a BAC of. 08% § Motorists under 21 cannot drive with a BAC of. 01% § BAC of. 05 = 2 x greater risk of accident § BAC of. 10 = 6 x greater risk of accident § BAC of. 15 = 25 x greater risk of accident

Amounts of Alcohol § Every drink contains about 0. 5 oz of alcohol § 1. 5 oz of liquor = 12 oz of beer = 5 oz of wine

Drunk Driving § Studies show most people arrested for drinking and driving had been drinking beer.

Signs of Drunk Driving § Speeding - an intoxicated driver often thinks high speed driving is safe § Weaving - even though an intoxicated driver may stay in the correct lane, driving straight may be a problem

Signs of Drunk Driving § Slow Driving - an intoxicated driver may be overly cautious and drive slower than the normal traffic flow § Jerking Motions - an intoxicated driver often may have short mental lapses and not keep a steady speed on a clear road § Quick Stops - an intoxicated driver may make sudden stops at a traffic sign or light, rather than easing up to it http: //www. drinkinganddriving. org/tools/video/Follow-The -Drunk/

The Good Host Law § Be a good host: § Serve nutritious foods & nonalcoholic beverages § Never insist a guest should drink alcoholic beverages § Never insist on refills § Allow a guest to stay the night if they have been drinking too much § Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends § Host may be involved in a law suit if guest is involved in a drinking and driving collision after leaving a party

Drugs & Driving § Drugs that may affect basic driving skills include: § Cold Pills § Tranquilizers § Prescription Medicine