Transcript Notes - Hazlet.org

Chapter 6
Drinking, Drugs, and Health
Effects of Alcohol
Even if motorist thinks he/she is below the
level of legal intoxication, alcohol will affect
driving
the only thing that can make a person sober
is time
The majority (90 percent) of the alcohol
detoxified is oxidized ( burned up) by the liver
The other 10 percent is eliminated in breath,
urine and sweat
How Much is Too Much?
The only scientific way to check is through
blood alcohol concentration, or BAC
A simple breath test will show a motorist’s
BAC
BAC is determined by four factors:




Quantity of alcohol assumed
Body weight
How quickly drinks were consumed
Food eaten
In NJ, it is illegal for an individual who is 21
years of age or older to drive with a BAC of
.08% or higher
for individuals who are younger than 21, it is
illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher
Violators face severe penalties in addition to
other penalties assessed for DUI/DWI
If a motorist has reached a BAC of slightly
above 0.05% after drinking, the risk for
causing a motor vehicle accident doubles
Alcohol
* Under state law, refusal to take a
breath test is equal to driving with a
BAC of 0.08% for first offense. The
current penalty is both the loss of
driving privileges for 7 months to 1 year.
Also an MVC insurance surcharge of
$1000 for three years
Alcohol
1 ½ ounce of 80 proof whiskey, 12
ounce can of beer and a 5 ounce glass
of wine will all contain the same amount
of alcohol
Studies show that people arrested for
drinking and driving have been drinking
beer
Drinking and Driving
Law enforcement is trained to notice
certain telltale signs that a motorist has
been drinking:
Speeding
 Weaving
 Slow driving
 Jerking motion quick stops

Good Host and the
Drinking Driver
Never insist that a guest should drink and
alcoholic beverage or insist on refills
Stop serving alcohol well before the party
ends
Suggest a nap or invite the guest to stay the
night
As a last resort, notify police
Host may become involved in a lawsuit if a
guest is involved in a drinking and driving
collision after leaving the party
Drugs and Driving
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on
NJ roadways under the influence of any
illegal drugs
After alcohol, marijuana is the drug
most often found with drivers involved in
collisions
Marijuana affects a
motorist:
Loss of tracking ability: this is the ability
to maintain a vehicle in a given line
Distance judgment: following too closely
can cause problems
Vigilance: not remaining attentive to
driving task
Divided attention