Drinking and Driving Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means… A driver’s senses and judgment are impaired by alcohol.

ALCOHOL oMyths about Alcohol oThe Effects of Alcohol - Mental - Physical oBlood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) - Factors that Affect BAC oLaws and Penalties for DUI - Implied Consent oField Sobriety Test, Breathalyzer

MYTHS about ALCOHOL MYTH: Everyone drinks… TRUTH: 31% of teens said that they drank alcohol within the last month, which means 69% have NOT. If you don’t drink… YOU are the majority.

MYTHS about ALCOHOL MYTH: Alcohol gives you energy… TRUTH: Alcohol is a depressant; it slows down your motor skills and makes you sleepy. It is NOT a stimulant.

MYTHS about ALCOHOL MYTH: Drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or exercising can sober someone up who has been drinking… TRUTH: The only thing that can sober someone up who has been drinking is TIME.

MYTHS about ALCOHOL MYTH: Beer is not as intoxicating as hard liquor… TRUTH: A serving of beer has the same amount of alcohol as a serving of hard liquor. 12 oz. of beer = 5 oz. of wine = 1.5 oz. of hard liquor

MYTHS about ALCOHOL MYTH: I can control myself when I drink… TRUTH: Drinking impairs your judgment and can make you do things you will later regret, such as… Having unprotected sex or getting into a fight

MYTHS about ALCOHOL MYTH: Drinking alcohol is not dangerous… TRUTH: 33% of 18 to 24 year olds who are admitted to emergency rooms with serious injuries are intoxicated. Alcohol is associated with homicides, suicides, and drownings.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS of ALCOHOL oLoss of muscle control and coordination; motor skills become sloppy. oDecreased ability judge distance and speed oLoss of balance oDecrease in reaction time oBlurry/double vision oSlower reaction of the pupils to adjust to headlights while driving at night

MENTAL EFFECTS of ALCOHOL oDecrease in judgment and reasoning oInhibitions are lessened (you do things you would not normally do while sober) oInability to think clearly (lack of concentration) oImpaired memory and blackouts

The 4 Factors that Determine BAC 1.Quantity of alcohol consumed 2. Body Weight 3. How quickly drinks were consumed 4. Amount of food eaten

Drink VolumeAmount of Alcohol% of Alcohol 12 ounces of beer 1½ ounces of whiskey 5 ounces of wine 5% 12% 40%.60 ounces

Number of Drinks (in one hour) BAC Range Approximate Time to Eliminate Alcohol 1 ½ hours % % % % 3 hours hours hours

Number of Drinks (in 1 hour)BACEffects 1 serving 4 servings 3 servings % % % Inhibitions are lessened. Judgment and reasoning begin to be affected. Unable to think clearly. Judgment and reasoning are not reliable. Muscular coordination is impaired. After 4 drinks, hearing, speech, vision, and balance are affected as well.

Under the Influence??? If you are 21 years old or older you are “Under the Influence” if your BAC is at least 0.08% If you are under 21 years old you are “Under the Influence” if your BAC is at least 0.01% ZERO TOLERANCE

Implied Consent Law New Jersey motorists agree to submit to a breath test following an arrest for a drinking-and-driving offense. Refusal will result in a penalty of driving with a BAC of 0.10%

Penalties for Underage DUI o15 to 30 Days Community Service o30 to 90 Days License Suspension oParticipation in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)

Prescriptions Drugs Prescription drugs can be considered “illegal” if not taken as it is prescribed, or if you are taking a prescription drug that is prescribed to someone else. Some prescriptions may cause dizziness and/or drowsiness, so you should NOT get behind the wheel!

Other Drugs oDepressants: decrease reaction time, lack of coordination oStimulants: can cause a false sense of awareness; when the drug wears off, users become very tired, very quickly oHallucinogens: can cause aggression, drowsiness, loss of balance, and loss of coordination ** You can still be under the influence even after you think the effects have worn off. **