Alcohol

Alcohol and Driving Alcohol is a drug that affects overall driving ability The reasons for this are: 1- The driver becomes overconfident in his/her ability 2- The drivers judgments and ability to think clearly are distorted. 3- Drivers have a tendency to make more mistakes.

Accident Probability when alcohol is involved BAC blood Alcohol Concentration BAC.02% accident chances are increased A driver under the age of 21 is under the influence of alcohol at this % BAC.05% Chances are doubled BAC.10% Chances are 6x’s Greater BAC.15% Chances are 25x’s Greater

Alcohol Statistic 50% of all accidents with fatalities involve alcohol. The number fatalities related to alcohol increases: At night, On weekends, around Holidays 1 out of 50 people are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time of day. 1 out of 10 are D.U.I on weekend nights

BAC Factors A person’s BAC is based on these 3 main factors: The Person’s weight How much you drink How fast you drink The alcohol you consume is absorbed into the bloodstream in about 10 to 20 minutes Small intestine Eating before drinking will slow the absorption rate This doesn’t change your BAC

How Much is One Drink One 12 ounce can of beer = one 5 ounce glass of wine = one 1 and ½ ounce drink of whiskey Beer 4% alcohol Wine 12% alcohol Whiskey 45% alcohol

B4UDRINK Alcohol Educator Use this website to see how alcohol affects your BAC and what it can do to your physical health.

Alcohol Facts Acts as a depressant on the CNS: slows your reactions, impairs judgments Has calories but no nutritional value Decreases mental and physical ability A given amount has different effects on individuals TIME is the only way to sober up

The Alcohol Path Enters the bloodstream mainly through the small intestines 10 to 20 minutes to be absorbed (food will slow down the rate of absorption but not stop it) Carbonated drinks will be absorbed faster Alcohol travels to the brain where it impairs your driving ability by altering your mental capacity and physical ability

Alcohol Elimination Alcohol is oxidized by the liver at a rate of approximately ½ ounce per hour (1 drink) This lowers your BAC by.015 each hour After a person stops drink their BAC will continue to rise until all of the alcohol is absorbed Some sobering up myths are: you can sweat it out, cold shower, drinking black coffee

Effects of Alcohol 2 to 4 drinks of alcohol impairs Reaction time Coordination Balance Your Driving skills that are affected are: Alertness Judgments Reactions

Signs of Impairment Become more talkative Increased self confidence Making poor judgments Drugs may also affect driving skills Cold pills Tranquilizers Prescription medications

Signs of Impairment while Driving Speeding or slow driving Weaving Inconsistent speed Quick stops No headlights Wide turns

The Only Way To Reduce the risk of a Crash caused by Drinking and Driving Don’t Drink and Drive!!!!

State Test library (Alcohol) Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means: The driver’s senses and judgments are impaired by alcohol The best way to reduce your chances of having an alcohol related accident is: Don’t drive after drinking

State test library continued The only way to sober up is: Time Crash Probability BAC.05% = Risk Doubles BAC.10% = Risk is 6x’s greater BAC.15% = Risk is 25x’s greater 1 twelve ounce can of beer = 1 five ounce glass of wine = one 1 and ½ ounce drink of whisky

State test library continued Other drugs that affect driving are: cold pills, tranquilizers, prescription medications BAC factors are: your weight, amount you drink, how fast you drink After 2 to 4 drinks alcohol begins to impair: reaction time, coordination and balance and judgments The implied consent law states that if you are suspected of drinking and driving you must submit to a breath test.