Chapter 6 Drinking Drugs and Driving Driving under

Chapter 6 Drinking, Drugs, and Driving

Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means that a driver’s senses and judgment are impaired.

Alcohol is not digested. It passes through your… stomach and small intestine directly into the bloodstream and is carried to all parts of your body.

After two, three, or four drinks, alcohol begins to impair… Reaction Time Coordination Balance

Reaching your brain in small amounts, alcohol: Promotes relaxation.

Vision, and the ability to judge distance, is affected, Making it more difficult to react and to drive safely.

The only thing that can make a person sober is… TIME

While most alcohol-related accidents involve one vehicle, drinking and driving accidents often kill passengers, the driver or seriously injure others involved.

90% OF ALCOHOL DETOXIFIED IS BURNED UP BY THE LIVER. THE OTHER 10% IS ELIMINATED IN BREATH, URINE, AND SWEAT.

The only scientific way to check is through: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).

BAC is determined by four factors: 1. quantity, 2. body weight, 3. time, 4. and amount of food eaten.

The only way to reduce the risk of a crash caused by drinking and driving is…. DO NOT DRINK and DRIVE

In New Jersey it is illegal for a motorist… 21 or older with a BAC of. 08 percent or higher to drive

For motorist younger than 21… It is illegal to drive with a BAC of. 01 percent or higher

UNDER STATE LAW, REFUSAL TO TAKE A BREATH TEST IS EQUAL TO DRIVING WITH A BAC OF . 08% FOR A FIRST OFFENSE THE CURRENT PENALTY FOR BOTH IS THE LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR 7 MONTHS TO A YEAR, BASED ON THE JUDGE.

Remember, it doesn’t matter what alcoholic beverage is consumed. There is as much alcohol in the average beer as there is in the average drink of whisky or wine. A “drink” = ½ ounce of alcohol. For example.

Studies show the greatest number of people arrested for drunken driving had been drinking: Beer

LAW ENFORCEMENT IS TRAINED TO NOTICE CERTAIN SIGNS FOR DRUNK DRIVING ◦ Speeding – an intoxicated driver often thinks high speed driving is safe. ◦Weaving – Even though an intoxicated person may stay in the lane, driving straight may be a problem. ◦Slow Driving – An intoxicated driver may be overly cautious and driver slower than normal. ◦ Jerking Motion – An intoxicated driver may have short mental lapses and not keep a steady speed. ◦Quick Stops – An intoxicated driver may make sudden stops

Food slows the absorption of… Alcohol into the bloodstream This delaying action prevents large amounts of alcohol from affecting your brain immediately. But, if you drink a lot, and steadily, eating won't prevent a high BAC. And if alcohol is already in your bloodstream, eating won't sober you up. Neither will aspirin, black coffee, deep breathing, cold showers, a slap in the face or exercise.

Heavy drinking will always produce a high BAC, regardless…. Of the amount of food consumed

If someone drinks too much, do not let them drive. Arrange for a designated driver. Use public transportation. Call a cab. If no other transportation is available, suggest a nap or invite your guest to spend the night. As a last resort, you may have to notify the police. If a person gets drunk in your home and has an accident you might be involved in a lawsuit.

What can you do to be a good host at your house? 1. If you serve alcoholic drinks, provide non-alcoholic beverages as well. 2. Also serve nutritious foods or snacks along with the drinks. 3. Don’t insist that your guests drink alcoholic beverages or push refills. 4. Stop serving alcohol well ahead of the departure of your guests.

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on New Jersey Roadways: Under the influence of any illegal drugs

If asked, motorists using prescription drugs must show proof of the prescription AFTER ALCOHOL, MARIJUANA IS THE DRUG MOST OFTEN FOUND WITH DRIVER’S INVOLVED IN COLLISIONS.