Unit 14 ATTENTION IMPAIRED DRIVING www.aplusbsoftware.com

Slide 14.1 Impairment Impaired driving = driving when your ability is affected. If you are impaired, you can be convicted of several offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. Your vehicle does not even have to be moving; you can be charged if you are impaired behind the wheel, even if you have not started to drive.

Types of Impairment Alcohol Slide 14.2 Types of Impairment Alcohol Drinking and driving is a deadly combination. All drivers, especially inexperienced drivers, must be able to concentrate on driving. New drivers are NOT ALLOWED to drink ANY alcohol when they are going to drive. Even one drink can reduce your ability to concentrate and react to things that happen suddenly when you are driving. With more alcohol in your blood, you could have trouble judging distances and your vision may become blurred.

Types of Impairment Drugs Slide 14.3 Types of Impairment Drugs Any drug that changes your mood or the way you see and feel about the world around you will affect the way you drive. Illegal drugs are only one problem. Some drugs that your doctor may prescribe for you and some over-the-counter drugs can also impair your driving. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, nausea or drowsiness that could affect your driving. Drugs and alcohol together can have dangerous effects, even several days after you have taken the drug.

Types of Impairment Fatigue and drowsiness Slide 14.4 Types of Impairment Fatigue and drowsiness Don’t drive when you are tired. You might fall asleep at the wheel, risking the lives of others on the road. Fatigue affects your driving ability. Your reaction time is slower. In an emergency, you may make the wrong decision or you may not make the right decision fast enough. Learn to recognize symptoms: You have difficulty keeping your eyes open or you yawn frequently. Your head keeps tilting forward. You can’t remember details about the last few kilometres you have traveled. You are missing traffic lights and signals. Your vehicle drifts into the next lane or off the road.

Types of Impairment Illness and injury Slide 14.5 Types of Impairment Illness and injury Don’t drive if you are sick or injured Illness causes fatigue, drowsiness, and a lack of awareness of your surroundings. You may also have impaired vision or hearing. Injuries can cause you to have limited movement or to be uncomfortable when driving. Pain is a distraction.

Types of Impairment Stress Slide 14.6 Types of Impairment Stress Do not drive of you are feeling stressed or anxious. Stress causes: Distraction from your surroundings Impairs decision making Leads to aggression and impatience