Drinkingand

Driving

Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means…

A driver’s senses and judgment are impaired by alcohol.

ALCOHOL

o Myths about Alcoholo The Effects of Alcohol

- Mental- Physical

o Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)- Factors that Affect BAC

o Laws and Penalties for DUI - Implied Consent

o Field 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

isTIME.

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

o Loss of muscle control and coordination; motor skills become sloppy.

o Decreased ability judge distance and speed

o Loss of balanceo Decrease in reaction timeo Blurry/double visiono Slower reaction of the pupils to adjust to

headlights while driving at night

MENTAL EFFECTS of ALCOHOL

o Decrease in judgment and reasoningo Inhibitions are lessened (you do

things you would not normally do while sober)

o Inability to think clearly (lack of concentration)

o Impaired 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 Volume Amount of Alcohol

% of Alcohol

12 ounces of beer

1½ ounces of whiskey

5 ounces of wine

5%

12%

40%

.60 ounces

.60 ounces

.60 ounces

Number of Drinks (in one hour) BAC Range

Approximate Time to

Eliminate Alcohol

1 ½ hours

.04 - .06%

.05 - .09%

.08 - .12%

.02 - .03%

3 hours

4 - 5 hours

5 - 7 hours

Number of Drinks (in 1 hour)

BAC Effects

1 serving

4 servings

3 servings

.02 - .03%

.05 - .09%

.10 - .12%

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

o 15 to 30 Days Community Service

o 30 to 90 DaysLicense Suspension

o Participation 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

o Depressants: decrease reaction time, lack of coordination

o Stimulants: can cause a false sense of awareness; when the drug wears off, users become very tired, very quickly

o Hallucinogens: 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. **