Driver Education Chapter 6 Drinking Drugs and Health

Driver Education Chapter 6 Drinking, Drugs, and Health

Effects of alcohol l l Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means that a driver’s senses and judgment are impaired by alcohol. After two, 2 -4 drinks, alcohol begins to impair reaction time, coordination and balance. Vision and the ability to judge distance are affected, making it more difficult to react and to drive safely. The only thing that can make a person sober is time. In addition, studies have proven conclusively that a combination of alcohol and anger is responsible for much of the reckless, aggressive driving that can cause fatal highway accidents.

How much is too much? l l BAC=Blood Alcohol Concentration BAC is determined by four factors: – – l Quantity of alcohol consumed Body weight How quickly drinks were consumed Food eaten The best way to reduce the risk of a crash caused by drinking and driving is not to drive at all after drinking.

BAC l Legal limits: – For a person 21 yrs of age or older l – For a person under 21 yrs of age l l . 08. 01 Possibility of causing an accident – – – . 05 = doubled. 10 = 6 times greater. 25 = 25 times greater

Implied Consent Law l Under state law, refusal to take a breath test is equal to driving with a BAC of. 08 percent for a first offense. The current penalty for both is the loss of driving privileges for seven months to one year, to run concurrently or consecutively, based upon a judge’s order (N. J. S. A. 39: 4 -50. 4 a). Motorists who refuse to take a breath test in New Jersey are also subject to an MVC insurance surcharge of $1, 000 per year for three years (N. J. S. A. 17: 29 A-35). Failure to pay this surcharge will result in an indefinite suspension of driving privileges until the fee is paid.

l Studies show that most people arrested for drinking and driving had been drinking beer.

Drinking and Driving l Tell tale signs that a motorist has been drinking: – – – Speeding Weaving Slow driving Jerking motion Quick stops

Be a good host l Hosts may become involved in a lawsuit if a guest is involved in a drinking and driving collision after leaving the party.

Drugs and driving l l l It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on New Jersey roadways under the influence of any illegal drugs. The labels on bottles of prescription drugs will describe common side effects. Drugs that “may cause drowsiness or dizziness” should not be taken before driving.

Drugs and Driving l After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found with drivers involved in collisions. Marijuana use may affect a motorist in the following ways: – – Loss of tracking ability Distance judgment Vigilance Divided attention