1. Drinking, Drugs, & Health
Chapter 6
Drinking, Drugs, & Health

2. Effects of Alcohol Alcohol is a Drug
Even the smallest amount of alcohol intake (below the level of legal intoxication) affects driving and increases chances of having an accident or making mistakes
Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means that a driver’s senses and judgement are impaired by alcohol
After 2, 3, or 4 drinks, alcohol begins to impair reaction time, coordination, and balance
Vision and ability to judge distance is affected, making it more difficult to react to drive safely
The one thing that can make a person sober is time

3. How much is too much?
Blood Alcohol Concentration=BAC--the only scientific way to check alcohol level.
BAC is determined by 4 factors
Quantity of alcohol consumed
Body weight
How quickly drinks were consumed
Food eaten

4. If a motorist has reached a:
In NJ, it is illegal for an individual who is 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher
For individuals younger than 21 it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .01% or higher
Violators face severe penalties in addition to other penalties assessed for DUI/DWI
If a motorist has reached a:
BAC of slightly .05% after drinking, the risk for causing a motor vehicle accident doubles
The risk is 6X as great when driving with a BAC of .10%
The risk is 25X as great when driving with a BAC of .15%

5. Under state law, refusal to take a breath test is equal to driving with a BAC of .10% on the first offense
The current penalty for both is the loss of driving privileges for 7 months to 1 year based upon a judge's order
Motorists who refuse to take a breath test in NJ are also subject to a violation surcharge of $1000 per year for 3 years.
Failure to pay this surcharge will result in an indefinite suspension of driving privileges until the fee is paid

6. Studies show that most people arrested for drinking and driving had been drinking beer

7. Absorption
Although food slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, eating will not prevent a high BAC when steadily drinking large amounts. Heavy drinking will always produce a high BAC

8. Drinking and Driving
Drinking affects a motorists thinking and slows reaction time
Alcohol may give a motorist a false feeling that he/she can do anything
Law enforcement is trained to notice certain telltale signs that a motorist has been drinking
Speeding: thinks high speed driving is safe
Weaving: may stay in correct lane but driving straight might be a problem
Slow Driving: driver may be overly cautious and drive slower than traffic flow
Jolting motion: intoxicated driver may have short mental lapses & not keep a steady speed on clear road
Quick stops: may make sudden stops at traffic sign/light rather than easing up to it

9. Good Hosts and the Drinking Driver
Hosts may become involved in a lawsuit if a guest is involved in a drinking and driving collision after leaving a party
Always serve alcohol free drinks and serve food/snacks
Never insist that a guest should drink an alcoholic beverage or insist on refills
Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends
If someone drinks too much, do not let them drive
Suggest a nap or offer to have them spend the night
Last resort, notify the police

10. Drugs and Driving
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on NJ roadways under the influence of any illegal drugs
The labels on bottles of prescription drugs will describe common side effects
Drugs that “may cause drowsiness or dizziness” should not be taken before driving
Drugs that may affect basic driving skills include: cold pills, tranquilizers, prescription medications
If asked, motorists using prescription drugs must show: proof of prescription to law enforcement
If a motorist does not have a prescription for the drug, and a prescription is necessary in order to obtain the drug, the drug will be considered illegal.

11. After alcohol, Marijuana is the drug most often found with drivers involved in collisions. It may affect a motorist in the following ways:
Loss of tracking ability
Distance Judgement
Vigilance
Divided Attention