Alcohol, Other
Drugs, and
Driving
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Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in
our society today. It is by far the most
frequently found drug in fatally injured
drivers.
All states now enforce a minimum drinking
age of 21.
Alcohol Facts-Alcohol is classified as a drug
because of its effects on the body’s central
nervous system. Pg-314
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How alcohol affects behavior-Alcohol does not
even affect the same person in the same way in
all situations. Pg-315
Mental Abilities and Alcohol-Alcohol is not
digested. It is absorbed directly and quickly
into the bloodstream.
Once alcohol enters the bloodstream, it quickly
flows to the brain. Alcohol has the greatest
effect on the parts of the brain that control
judgment and reasoning. Pg-315
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Judgment and Reasoning-Euphoria is the false
sense of well-being. Pg-315
The driver will actually feel as though thinking
and judgment abilities are sharper and quicker.
Pg-315
Inhibitions-The inner forces of personality that
restrain or hold back one’s impulsive behavior.
Pg-316
Physical Abilities and Alcohol-The brain takes
longer to process the information and react to
the danger. Pg-316
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Reaction Time and Coordination-Alcohol slows
reflexes and reaction time. Muscular
coordination becomes slow and clumsy. Pg-316
Seeing and Speaking Abilities-One of the most
dangerous effects of alcohol is impaired vision.
Pg-316
Alcohol also affects the reflex action of the eyes.
After only a few drinks, this reflex action is
impaired. Pg-316-317
After excessive drinking, a person might see
multiple images. Pg-317
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Alcohol also impairs depth perception. Pg-317
Peripheral vision also is impaired by alcohol.
Pg-317
Alcohol can also affect a person’s speech. Pg317
Other Physical Problems-As a person continues
to drink, the center of the brain that controls
breathing and heartbeat can become impaired.
Death can occur if a large amount of alcohol is
consumes over short period of time. Pg-317
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Chart on page 318. Amount of alcohol in standard
drinks.
Alcohol in the body-Blood Alcohol
Concentration(BAC). Each drink adds about 0.02 to
0.03 percent to the person’s BAC. Pg-318
Factors Affecting BAC-Amount of alcohol
consumes, amount of time over which a given
amount of alcohol is consumed, and person’s body
weight. Pg-318
When alcohol is mixed with carbonated beverages,
the rate of absorption is even faster. Pg-319
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Controlling impairment-The body rids itself of
alcohol at a rate of about three-fourths of a
standard drink an hour. A person who has one
drink needs about an one and a half hours to rid
the body of the alcohol in that drink. Pg-319
Myths and Truths about Alcohol-I can sober up by
drinking black coffee, taking a cold shower, or
doing exercises. One little drink won’t hurt me. I
will not be affected because I am only drinking
beer. I can drive better after a few drinks. A young
person cannot become a problem drinker. Pg-320
Reducing Driving Risks-Alway8s refuse to ride
with drivers who have been drinking. Appoint a
designated driver. Pg-320
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Types of Drugs-Some drugs depress, or slow
down, the central nervous system. Others
stimulate it, or speed it up. Pg-321
Over-the Counter Medicine –OTCs medicines
have side effects that include drowsiness,
dizziness, slowed reaction time, and poor
judgment. Pg-321
Depressant-Drug that can slow down, or
depress, the central nervous system. Alcohol,
barbiturates, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers
are examples. Pg-321
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Stimulants-Drug that can speed up, or stimulate,
the central nervous system. Amphetamines are a
type of stimulant. The feeling of alertness wears off
soon and the person becomes very tired very
quickly. Pg-322
Hallucinogens-Are unpredictable mind-altering
drugs that can alter personality and cause panic or
terror as the distort a person’s sense of direction,
distance, and time. Marijuana is a hallucinogen, it
can impair judgment, memory, depth perception,
and coordination. Pg-322
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Combining Drugs-When other drugs are
combined with alcohol, the effects of both
drugs can be multiplied, rather than just added
together. This is known as a synergistic effect.
Pg-322
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Implied-Consent Law-Anyone who receives a
driver’s license automatically consents to be
tested for BAC and other drugs if stopped for
suspicion of drug use while driving. Pg-323
DWI and DUI-For Illinois these are pretty
much the same now. The legal BAC limit is 0.08
Pg-323
Zero-Tolerance Law-Makes it illegal for
persons under the age of 21 to drive with any
measurable amount of alcohol in the blood. Pg324
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Chemical Testing-Analysis of blood, urine, or
breath can accurately determine BAC. The breath
test machine is called an intoxilyzer. Pg-324
Field Sobriety Test-Includes a series of on-the-spot,
roadside test that help an officer detect
impairment. Pg-324
Nystagmus-The involuntary jerking of the eyes as
the person gazes to the side. Pg-325
Stopped by a police officer-Signal and pull over to
the right in a safe place. Keep your hands visible.
Stay in the vehicle and follow the officer’s
instruction. Pg-325
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Peer Pressure-Influence of other of a similar
age, Pg-326
Positive and Negative Peer Pressure. Pg-326327
Negative-Some people worry a great deal what
others think of them, negative peer pressure
might result in them doing things that are
against their beliefs and values. Pg-327
Peer Education-Process in which young people
make decisions and determine goals. Pg-327