CHAPTER 6

DRINKING, DRUGS &

HEALTH

Effects of AlcoholAlcohol is not digested. It is removed slowly by

the body.Passes through stomach to small intestine to

bloodstream90% 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, visionability 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…...02-.03 .04 – .06 .07-. 09 .12- .15

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

0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 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

BACUnder 21 = .01 or higher is illegalOver 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 lawIf you refuse a breathalyzer, you be

arrested for Driving Under the Influence, and will have blood drawn from you to determine your BAC

Alcohol comparisons1 ½ ounce of 86 proof liquor (a shot)12 ounce bottle or can of beer5 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)

100- 120 lb 120- 140 lb 140 – 160 lb

1 .04 .03 .02

3 .10 .08 .07

5 .18 .15 .12

7 .24 .20 .17

Number of Drinks (per hour)

100- 120 lb 120- 140 lb 140- 160 lb

1 .05 .04 .03

3 .13 .11 .07

5 .21 .18 .15

7 .30 .25 .22

MALES

FEMALES

Food and AlcoholFood 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 Driving5 telltale drinking and driving signs:

1. Speeding

2. Weaving

3. Slow Driving

4. Jerking Motion

5. Quick Stops

12 Days of Christmas

Hosts and PartiesDo 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 DRIVINGILLEGAL TO DRIVE WHEN ON illegal

DRUGSLabels 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.