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.