Chapter 6Chapter 6Drinking, Drinking,

Drugs, Drugs,

and Drivingand Driving

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

stomach and small intestine directly into the

bloodstream and is carried to all parts of your body.

Alcohol is not digested. It passes through your…

After two, three, or four drinks, alcohol begins to impair…

Reaction TimeReaction Time CoordinationCoordination BalanceBalance

Promotes relaxation.

Reaching your brain in small amounts, alcohol:

Making it more difficult to react Making it more difficult to react and to drive safely.and to drive safely.

Vision, and the ability to judge distance, is affected,

The only thing that can make a person sober is…

TIME

drinking and driving accidents drinking and driving accidents often kill passengers, the driver or often kill passengers, the driver or seriously injure others involved.seriously injure others involved.

While most alcohol-related accidents involve one

vehicle,

90% OF ALCOHOL DETOXIFIED IS BURNED UP BY THE LIVER. THE OTHER

10% IS ELIMINATED IN BREATH, URINE, AND SWEAT.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).

The only scientific way to check is through:

1. quantity,

2. body weight,

3. time,

4. and amount of food eaten.

BAC is determined by four factors:

DO NOT DRINK and DRIVE

The only way to reduce the risk of a crash caused by drinking and driving

is….

21 or older with a BAC

of .08 percent

or

higher to drive

In New Jersey it is illegal for a motorist…

It is illegal to drive

with a BAC of .01 percent

or

higher

For motorist younger than 21…

 

  

   

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.

Beer

Studies show the greatest number of people arrested

for drunken driving had been drinking:

◦ 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

LAW ENFORCEMENT IS TRAINED TO NOTICE CERTAIN SIGNS FOR DRUNK DRIVING

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.

Food slows the absorption of…

Of the amount of food consumed

Heavy drinking will always produce a high BAC,

regardless….

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.

If someone drinks too much, do not let them drive.

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.

What can you do to be a good host at your house?

Under the influence of any illegal drugs

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on

New Jersey Roadways:

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.