Dangers of Alcohol and Driving

Section 7

Alcohol

• Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in our society today.

• A significant percentage of teens drink.

• Alcohol-related collisions are a major safety concern.

• Young drinking drivers are involved in fatal crashes at twice the rate of drivers aged 21 and older.

• Drivers aged 16 through 20 are more likely to be alcohol-impaired than any other age group.

Alcohol Facts

Statistics

60% of all teen deaths in car accidents are alcohol-related.

• Teen males with BAC level of 0.05-0.10 are 18 times more likely to suffer a single vehicle single vehicle crash than non-drinking counterparts

• Teen females at the same level are 54 times more likely to crash

Every 2 minutes

an alcohol-related

collision occurs

Alcohol Facts

• Nearly half of those killed in alcohol-related collisions had not been drinking, but were victims of drunk drivers.

• More than half of all fatalities during holidays are alcohol related.

Just Just oneone drink can affect a drink can affect a person mentally and person mentally and

physically!physically!

How You Are Affected

• Alcohol slows brain activity and is directly and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

• A driver affected by alcohol has a decreased ability to reason clearly and make sound judgments.

How You Are Affected

• Alcohol weakens a person’s inhibitions.

• The alcohol-impaired driver may recognize a dangerous situation approaching, but the brain takes longer to process the information and react.

BAC

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in the blood.

• Each drink adds about .02 to .03 percent to a person’s BAC.

Factors Affecting BAC

• Amount consumed.

• Amount of time over which the alcohol is consumed.

• Person’s body weight.

Alcohol is removed from the body at a rate of ¾ of a drink per hour.

Elimination RateAlcohol is eliminated from the body at the rate of about one drink per hour (about 0.015 BAC reduction).

Drinks BAC in 1 Hour 6 Hrs later

1 0.04 Sober

2 0.10 0.03 BAC

3 0.24 0.15 BAC

125 lbs. Female

Drinks BAC in 1 Hour 6 Hrs later

1 0.04 Sober

2 0.09 Sober

3 0.18 0.09 BAC

155 lbs. Male

Reaction time is impaired at a BAC of 0.03

Effect on the SexesBlood alcohol content differ for men and

women.Charts approximate BAC levelsFemale Male

In all

states

BAC level

of 0.08 is 0.08 is

illegalillegal

Drinking Myths

1. Beer is less intoxicating.2. One or two drinks will not affect driving ability.3. A cold shower, fresh air, and coffee can help sober

up a person. 4. It’s okay to drive when taking prescriptions and over-

the-counter drugs. 5. People who drink or use drugs only harm

themselves. 6. Impaired driving is only an adult (over 21 yrs) problem.

What’s the real facts?

Answer True or False for each statement.• I can sober up by drinking coffee.

FalseFalse

• I can sober up by taking a cold shower.

FalseFalse

I can sober up by exercising.

FalseFalse

• I will not be affected because I am only drinking beer.

FalseFalse

True or False?

True or False?

• I can drive better after a few drinks.

FalseFalse

• A young person cannot become a problem drinker.

FalseFalse

One way to reduce the risk involved with One way to reduce the risk involved with drinking and driving is to appoint a person drinking and driving is to appoint a person to be the to be the designated driverdesignated driver..

Other Drugs

• Any drug, legal or illegal, that causes impairment when driving is against the law to use and then operate a vehicle. Including…

• over-the-counter medicines• prescription medicines• depressants• stimulants• hallucinogens

The Law

• In Nevada, a BAC of .08 is legally drunk.

• 0.02 for drivers under 21.

• Note that the BAC is only a guide.

• Drivers can be arrested and convicted for DUI with a lower BAC.

• means anyone who receives a driver’s license automatically consents to be tested for alcohol or drugs. By driving in Nevada you automatically consent to breath or blood testing. Be aware that you cannot refuse a test.

Implied Consent

Tests for Impairment

Several tests are used to evaluate DUI impairment:

• Field Sobriety (on-the-spot roadside tests)

– Eye check (nystagmus)– Balance and coordination

• Chemical Tests– Breath– Blood– Urine

Typical penalties for a first DUI

• Arrest • Vehicle Impoundment • Two days to six months in jail or community

service • Fine of $400 to $1,000 • Chemical Test Fee: $60 • DUI School or Substance Abuse Treatment • Victim Impact Panel • Possible Driver License revocation • Increased car insurance premiums

The Law

• Penalties increase with subsequent offenses.

Social PressureThe safest decision about alcohol

one can make is to abstain entirely. • Never condone or approve

of intoxication• Don’t let your friends drive after drinking

(take keys, assign designated driver)

• Join Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

Responsibility to OthersDo what ever it takes, take their keys, disable the car, lock them in a room,

Don’t Let Them Drive Away! It may be the last time it happens.