CHAPTER 6 DRINKING, DRUGS & HEALTH

Effects of Alcohol Alcohol is not digested. It is removed slowly by the body. Passes through stomach to small intestine to bloodstream 90% of alcohol detoxified is burned up by the liver. 10% is eliminated in breath, urine, and sweat

Effects of Alcohol (cont.) Driving under the influence means: a driver’s senses and judgment are impaired by alcohol Affected by as little as two drinks: reaction time, coordination, balance, vision ability to judge distance

How much is too much? BAC decided by 4 factors: 1. Quantity of alcohol consumed 2. Body weight 3. How quickly drinks were consumed. 4. Food eaten Best way to reduce risk of crash is to not drink and drive at all

When BAC is… – Reflexes and alertness decline Judgment and self control are impaired Reaction time slows Muscle coordination decreases Vomiting usually occurs Emotions become exaggerated, unstable or violent and HIGHER Confusion, dizziness, and disorientation occur. Vision and speech are impaired Blackouts are typical Ability to stand or walk is lost Loss of consciousness may occur Loss of consciousness usually occurs Death may occur Death usually occurs

BAC Under 21 =.01 or higher is illegal Over 21 =.08 is the legal limit. Having a BAC of.05 doubles your chance of being in an accident. A BAC of.10 increases your chance of being in accident x 6 A BAC of.15 increases your chance of being in an accident x 25

Refusing a Breathalyzer NJ has an implied consent law If you refuse a breathalyzer, you be arrested for Driving Under the Influence, and will have blood drawn from you to determine your BAC

Alcohol comparisons 1 ½ ounce of 86 proof liquor (a shot) 12 ounce bottle or can of beer 5 ounce glass of wine All contain same alcohol content. Most motorists arrested for drinking and driving have been drinking BEER

Estimating BAC Number of Drinks (per hour) lb lb140 – 160 lb Number of Drinks (per hour) lb lb lb MALES FEMALES

Food and Alcohol Food slows absorption of alcohol into the blood Heavy drinking will always give you a high BAC regardless of what you eat. Only TIME will make you sober!!!!

Drinking and Driving 5 telltale drinking and driving signs: 1. Speeding 2. Weaving 3. Slow Driving 4. Jerking Motion 5. Quick Stops 12 Days of Christmas

Hosts and Parties Do not only provide alcoholic drinks at parties, provide non alcoholic drinks as well. If someone leaves a party drunk and gets into an accident, the host can be involved in a LAWSUIT

Designated Drivers NJ is first state to launch Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers DD’s ensure safety of people they are escorting as well as other motorists

DRUGS AND DRIVING ILLEGAL TO DRIVE WHEN ON illegal DRUGS Labels on prescription bottles will tell you side affects. Never mix drugs without asking a doctor. Never take prescription drugs with alcohol.

Marijuana and Driving Marijuana is the drug most often found with drivers involved in collisions. How it affects the driver: Loss of tracking ability – (can’t drive in a straight line) Distance judgement Vigilance – (Hard to remain attentive to all driving tasks) Divided attention – (Hard to pay attention to other traffic, roadway or weather conditions)

Healthy Driving HEALTH – Do not drive if not feeling well, have sore or hurt leg, etc. VISION – State law allows MVC to retest 10% of the driving population each year. HEARING – can warn motorists of danger. Horns, sirens, screeching tires warn a motorist to be careful.