Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving Chapter 7 Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving

Key Idea This chapter discusses the effect of alcohol and other drugs have on driving safely.

Effects of Alcohol on Driving Safely Bell ringer What is the legal drinking age in the United States? Should the drinking age change ? Why or why not? Alcohol is the number one factor in fatal collisions for young people. Do you think alcohol consumption affects new drivers more than experienced drivers? Why or why not?

Alcohol Facts Categorized as a drug because it effects the CNS Depressant Drug Anesthetic on the brain Depresses Judgment and Reasoning Euphoria Inhibitions Can be measured in blood 7 seconds after drinking Euphoria – a false sense of well-being Inhibitions – the forces of personality that restrain or hold back impulsive behaviors.

What is Effected? Mentally a driver: Cannot correctly use the IPDE process, Zone Control techniques, or the Smith System. Is less able to correctly interpret what they are seeing. Unable to understand what is going on. Fixates on one area. Scans erratically and target area becomes unclear. Decreases visual acuity, peripheral vision, night vision, color vision and depth perception. Slows down reaction time

More Effects Physical Effects Reflex Actions Coordination Pupils Breathing Heart Rate Coordination Blurred Vision Depth Perception Muscular Movements Balance Narrow Field of Vision Peripheral Vision Speed Poor Scanning

Binge Drinking and Alcoholism Drinking large amounts of alcohol over short periods of time. Can impair heart rate and breathing reflexes enough to cause death. Alcoholism Addiction to alcohol. Inhibitions Inner forces of personality that hold back or restrain impulsive behavior.

Alcohol in the Body Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Standard Drink The amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. Legal Limit in Illinois is .08 BAC 0.08 = 8% of your bloodstream is alcohol Standard Drink Referring to different types of alcohol so they can be compared. Proof Strength of the liquor, or percentage (%) of alcohol in a drink Factors Affecting BAC Amount of alcohol consumed Period of time in which the alcohol is consumed Body weight of the drinker 40% alcohol 12% alcohol 5% alcohol

Controlling Impairment The body rids itself of alcohol at about ¾ of a standard drink in one hour. How much time would you need to sober up after: 1 drink? 2 drinks? 3 drinks? 4 drinks? Only time will help your body eliminate alcohol from your system 1 drink = more than 1 hour 2 drinks = about 3 hours 3 drinks = more than 4 hours 4 drinks = more than 6 hours

Fact or Fiction? What are some common myths you have heard about alcohol? Drinking coffee? Cold shower? Exercise? One drink won’t hurt? Beer will not make me drunk? Drive better after a few drinks? Young people cannot become problem drinkers? Any more? How do any of these actually change BAC? How is alcohol actually eliminated from the body?

Reducing Driving Risk Designated Driver A person who decides ahead of time to not drink alcoholic beverages and is appointed to drive by others who do drink.

Analyzing Data BAC for Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes by Age BAC is a measure of the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream per 100 ml of blood. A BAC of 0.1 percent means that 1/10 of one percent of the fluid in the blood is alcohol. What does each bar on the graph represent? What trend to you see in the number of fatal crashes from age 17 to age 66+ based on the two ranges of BAC? Are young drivers less affected by alcohol than older drivers? Why do you think younger drivers in fatal crashes were less likely to have a BAC of 0.10 or more? How does the consumption of alcohol affect driving risk for the average driver? To minimize crashes and fatalities due to drunk driving, what do you think should be the legal limit of BAC for drivers? Percent of fatal crashes. The percentage of fatal crashes that involve a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 or more increases across the first four age groups, standing at 80% of all crashes from 26-50. It then declines slightly as drivers continue to age. % of fatal crashes also decreases for BAC of 0.01-0.09 across the first four age groups, standing at 20% from 26-50. It then starts to increase as the drivers continue to age. Younger drivers are not less affected by alcohol than older drivers. Answers may vary…possible reasons may include: younger drivers who are just learning are more likely to get into fatal crashes under normal circumstances (w/o alcohol being involved) than older drivers; younger drivers, who cannot buy alcohol legally, are less likely to be driving under the influence than an older driver; younger drivers might even be more affected by levels of alcohol below 0.10 than older drivers. For the average driver, there is a greater risk of fatal crashes at the higher BAC range. Answers will vary.

Other Kinds of Drugs and Driving Over-the-Counter Medicines A drug that is available without a doctor’s prescription. Prescription Medicine Drugs that cannot be purchased without a doctor’s order, or prescription. Depressants A drug that slows down the central nervous system (CNS). Stimulant A drug that speeds up the CNS. Hallucinogens An unpredictable, mind-altering drug that can alter personality and cause panic or terror because they distort a person’s sense of direction, distance, and time. Synergistic Effect The multiplied effect of drugs taken at the same time as each other or alcohol.

Traffic Laws Governing the Use of Alcohol All 50 states require a person to be 21 to purchase/consume alcohol Illegal per se laws Laws that make it illegal to operate a criminal offense to operate a motor vehicle if: BAC is at 0.08 or greater (blood, breath, or urine) You have any amount of a drug, usually controlled (illegal) substance, in the body. Implied Consent Law Anyone who operates a motor vehicle automatically consents to being tested for BAC and other drugs if stopped for suspicion of drug/alcohol use while driving. Refusing to cooperate means your license can be suspended. Zero Tolerance Law Applies to anyone under 21. 0.00 BAC in Illinois. Any measurable amount = penalties. Dram Shop Law A person who serves/sells alcohol to an intoxicated person may be held liable for any damages/injuries caused by that person. Parents, or any adult, can be held responsible for serving underage drinkers Zero tolerance is a state law that went into effect on January 1, 1995. The law provides for suspension of the driving privileges of any person under the age of 21 who drives after consuming alcohol. Like the name zero tolerance suggests, any trace of alcohol in a young person's system can result in a suspended drivers license. There are exceptions -- minors who consume alcohol as part of a religious service or those who ingest a prescribed or recommended dosage of medicine containing alcohol.

Levels of Impairment Federal Government encouraged states to adopt 0.08 BAC as a uniform level of intoxication and all states complied. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) An offense for which a driver can be charged in all states if the driver’s blood-alcohol concentration is above 0.08. May also be referred to as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Impaired (DWI), or Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired (OWI).

Tests for Impairment Chemical Testing Field Sobriety Test Chemical analysis of blood, urine, or breath to determine BAC. Intoxilyzer (Breathalyzer) Field Sobriety Test Can be given to any driver pulled over for suspicion of DUI/DWI because of the Implied Consent Law. Nystagmus AKA Horizontal gaze test – refers to the involuntary jerking of the eye as the person tracks an object left or right. Divided Attention Impairment Test – walk heel to toe for a certain number of steps while giving an oral count of the number of steps taken. Intoxilyzer (Breathalyzer) - Most common form of chemical testing. Field Sobriety Test - A series of on-the-spot roadside tests that will test coordination, ability to follow instructions, ability to perform two tasks at once (divided attention impairment) and eye reflexes. Nystagmus Test - Trained police officers can accurately estimate BAC to within 0.02 of a chemical test.

Penalties for Conviction in Illinois Third DUI Conviction - Class 2 felony Minimum ten-year loss of full driving privileges. Mandatory 18-30 month periodic imprisonment. Possible imprisonment for up to seven years. Maximum fine of $25,000. Aggravated DUI - Class 4 felony (following a crash resulting in great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement). Minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges. Mandatory ten days imprisonment or 480 hours community service. Possible imprisonment for up to twelve years. DUI Conviction Penalties First DUI conviction Minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges. Possible imprisonment for up to one year. Maximum fine of $2,500. Second DUI Conviction Minimum five-year loss of full driving privileges for a second conviction in a 20-year period. Mandatory five days imprisonment or 240 hours community service.

Penalties for Conviction in Illinois Knowingly Permitting a Driver Under the Influence to Operate a Vehicle Possible imprisonment for up to one year. Maximum fine of $2,500. Summary Suspension First Offense A chemical test indicating a BAC of .08 or greater results in a mandatory six-month drivers license suspension. Refusal to submit to a chemical test(s) results in a twelve-month license suspension. Subsequent Offenses A chemical test indicating a BAC of .08 or greater results in a mandatory one-year drivers license suspension. Refusal to submit to a chemical test(s) results in a three-year license suspension. Other Alcohol Offenses Providing Alcohol to a Person Under Age 21 Possible imprisonment for up to one year. Maximum fine of $2,500. Illegal Transportation of an Alcoholic Beverage Maximum fine of $1,000. Point-assigned violation will be entered on drivers record. Drivers license suspension for a second conviction in a 12-month period.

Penalties for Conviction in Illinois Legal Consequences of Underage Drinking and Driving First Underage 21 DUI Conviction Loss of full driving privileges for a minimum of 2 years. Possible imprisonment for up to 1 year. Maximum $2,500 fine. Second Underage 21 DUI Conviction Minimum five-year loss of full driving privileges for a second conviction in a 20-year period. Mandatory five days imprisonment or 240 hours community service. Possible imprisonment for up to one year. Maximum fine of $2,500. Third Underage 21 DUI Conviction - Class 4 Felony Minimum ten-year loss of full driving privileges. Mandatory 18-30 month periodic imprisonment. Possible imprisonment for seven years. Maximum fine of $25,000. Aggravated DUI Class 4 Felony (Following a crash resulting in great bodily harm or permanent disfigurements) Loss of full driving privileges for a minimum of 1 year. Possible imprisonment for up to 12 years.

Penalties for Conviction in Illinois Underage Illegal Transportation of an Alcoholic Beverage Maximum fine of $1,000. Drivers license suspended for first conviction. Drivers license revoked for a second conviction. Zero Tolerance Law for Underage Drinking and Driving Penalties for Drinking and Driving The Zero Tolerance Law provides that minors can have their driving privileges suspended even if they're not intoxicated at the .08 level. Effect on Your Driving Record Zero Tolerance (BAC of .01 or greater) -- Except during suspension period, not on public driving record as long as there is no subsequent suspension DUI Conviction (BAC of .08 or greater) -- Permanently on public driving record Under certain conditions, you may be charged with DUI even though your BAC is below .08.

If you are stopped by a police officer… Flashing lights and or siren are a cue to pull over. Pull over to the right side of the road and stop. Keep your hands visible at all times and do not start fidgeting in the car. Stay in your vehicle. You will need your driver’s license and proof of insurance. Remain calm and be polite. Keep passengers under control. Courtesy Stop Pulling into a parking lot or side street to avoid traffic is ok. Don’t reach for anything in the car while the officer is approaching. You may think your movements are harmless while reaching for driver’s license, insurance, etc., but to the officer (who doesn’t know who you) it may look like you are trying to hide something or get a weapon to harm them. There is no need for your to get out of your vehicle, unless you are instructed to do so. This is mainly a safety concern for you since most stops are on the side of the road with possible moving traffic as a hazard. May ask for the title of the car, but usually driver’s license and proof of insurance are the standard. When getting the driver’s license, insurance, etc.; tell the officer what you are doing, EX. “I am getting my license and insurance out of my wallet.” Don’t let yourself or a passenger talk you into a ticket. Being polite and courteous to the officer is very helpful. Remember the roadside is not the time or place to argue the ticket, that is what the court date is for. Police may be stopping you for a courtesy stop, letting you know something is wrong without writing a citation. Remember they are just doing their job.

Coping With Peer Pressure External force that results from peers trying to influence you to do certain things or act in a certain way. Peer Influence Internal force created out of a desire to be accepted. Positive Peer Pressure – When peers exert a pressure in a positive way, they want to help and encourage you to do your best and stay safe. Negative Peer Pressure – when others who don’t have your best interests in mind, encourage you to do something that you believe is wrong or dangerous. Peer Pressure video – Positive or Negative? 00:01:42.03 long

Making Responsible Decisions Know when a decision is needed Consider the choices Consider the consequences and ask yourself: Is it legal? Is it safe? What would my parents/family think? Does it show respect for myself and others? Decide which choice is best Evaluate your decision to know if it was a responsible one

For Your Quiz You should be able to: Define Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). List the legal limit for Illinois. Explain what category of drug alcohol fits in. Name and explain the effect of combining drugs and alcohol. Explain how to eliminate alcohol from the body. Define the Implied Consent Law. Define inhibitions. Define the Zero Tolerance Law. Define designated driver.