Alcohol, other Drugs, and driving Chapter 7 Alcohol, other Drugs, and driving

Effects Of Alcohol On Behavior One Drink = Inhibitions are lessened. Judgment and reasoning begin to be affected. Three Drinks = Unable to think clearly. Judgment and reasoning are not reliable. Four Drinks = Hearing, Speech, vision, and balance are affected.

Alcohol Effects Central Nervous System Judgment and Reasoning Vision Visual Acuity Reflex Action Blurred Vision Depth Perception Peripheral Vision

Alcohol On The Body Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – Alcohol detected in a person’s bloodstream. Proof – Describes the strength of the liquor. The more a person drinks the higher their BAC. If a person weights more they will be affected less by the same amount of alcohol than a person that weights less. A person’s BAC rises more rapidly if drinks are consumed quickly.

True or False Drinking black coffee, taking a cold shower, or exercising can make a drunk person sober. Answer = False Reason = These activities do not reduce BAC. The person may seem more alert but the BAC is not reduced.

Designated Driver A way to reduce the risks of drinking and driving. WARNING = The designated driver should stay sober at all times. Watch you friend closely to make sure they are not drinking. Encourage them to sip their drink slowly. Try and get them involved in other activities besides drinking.

Types of Drugs Over-The-Counter Medicines – side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reaction time, and poor judgment. Prescription Medicines – can cause addictiveness. Depressants – depress or slow down the nervous system. Stimulants – speeds the central nervous system. Hallucinogens – Mind altering drugs Synergetic effect – When drugs are combined with alcohol.

Traffic Laws & Alcohol What are the illegal per se laws? Answer = According to all 50 states, operating a vehicle with a specific alcohol concentration in either the blood, breath, or urine; or with any amount of illegal drug.

Traffic Laws & Alcohol Cont. Implied Constant Law – Anyone that drives a motor vehicle automatically consents to be tested for alcohol and drugs if suspected. Zero Tolerance Law – Driving with a BAC greater than 0.02 and under 21 of age will automatically receive harsh penalties. Drama Shop Law – Person that serves alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person may be liable for the damages.

Levels of Impairment Driving with Blood Alcohol Level at 0.08 percent will result with being charged with a driving while intoxicated (DWI). Driving a vehicle above the legal limit in some states may use driving under the influence (DUI) or operating while impaired or intoxicated (OWI) instead of DWI.

Tests For Impairment Chemical Testing – Done through blood, urine, or breath. Field Sobriety Test – On-the-spot roadside tests include checking of eyes and coordination.

Penalties What are the penalties for driving under the influence? Answers = Suspension or revocation of license Payment of a fine Prison Community service

What IF You Are Pulled Over Slow down your vehicle. Pull onto the side of the street or into a parking lot. Keep your hands visible. Show the officer your license, registration, and insurance. Follow further directions provided by the police officer.

Understanding Peer Influence and Pressure Peer Pressure – Peers forcing or trying to influence a fellow peer to do certain things or act a certain way. Peer Influence – An internal force created out of a desire to be accepted. Positive Peer Pressure – When one wants to help or encourage you to do your best and stay safe. Negative Peer Pressure – Peers encourage you to do something that you believe is wrong or dangerous.

Peer Pressure Has anyone ever been a victim of peer pressure?

Refusing Your Peers Use Humor Walk Away Ask a Question Repeat No Avoid the Situation Ignore the Pressure Prepare Reasons Provide Alternatives Use Teamwork Be Firm

Making Responsible Decisions Make your own decisions that make you in control of your life. Make responsible decisions and try and influence those around you. Make the decision not to drink and drive and share those concerns with individuals you are close to. Contribute to a peer education process to help one others make decisions and determine goals.

Question??? How Many Drinks Affect Your Hearing, Speech, vision, and balance are affected? Answer = 4

End Question???? Answer on a piece of paper. What you would do if your friend has consumed to much alcohol and is unable to drive? The only problem is that he/she thinks they are capable of driving and will not allow anyone else drive besides himself/herself?

Reference Crabb, Owen , Frederik R. Mottola , Randall R. Thiel, and Elizabeth A. Weaver. Drive Right. 11th ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2010. Print.