DRIVE! Chapter 7: Alcohol, other Drugs and Driving

What is the age for legally buying, possessing, or consuming alcohol?

21

What is the average person's reaction time?

3/4 of a second.

One 12 oz. can of beer is equal to what other amounts of alcohol?

5 oz. of wine and 1.5 oz. of liquor. 12 oz. because 12 oz. of beer = 5 oz. wine = 1.5 oz. liquor/hard alcohol

Stimulant

Class or drug that speeds up a person's central nervous system (cocaine, coffee, amphetamines, methamphetamines). They create a high-risk driving situation. At first they create a feeling of alertness but once that wears off, the driver becomes very tired.

Synergistic Effect

The multiplied effect of drugs taken at the same time as each other or alcohol

When does alcohol begin to affect a person's ability to drive?

The very moment it enters the body.

When can NC seize and sell your car?

When you are convicted of DWI while your license was revoked for DWI

Which age group is more likely to be alcohol impaired?

16-20

List fact about alcohol and driving.

-Age group who abuses alcohol the most are 16-20 -Nearly half of the people killed in an accident involving alcohol were sober

How much does each serving of alcohol increase the average person's BAC?

0.02%

Depressant

A class of drugs that slows down the central nervous system (alcohol, barbiturates, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers taken to relieve tension, calm nerves and even high blood pressure). Driver's can become very relaxed, ininhibited and less able to apply the IPDE process.

Intoxilyzer

A machine that determines BAC by analyzing a person's breath.

Hallucinogens

A mind-altering drug that can alter personality and cause panic or terror because they distort a person's sense of direction, distance and time. Driving while under the influence of hallucinogens creates potentially deadly situations (marijuana, LSD, magic mushrooms, PCP).

Euphoria

A person's alcohol-induced false feeling of well-being.

TRUE OR FALSE? ~ A person can burn off alcohol by strenuous activity ~ Alcohol will not affect a person who has built up a tolerance ~ A person can sober up by drinking coffee

ALL ARE FALSE

When can a police officer get a search warrant for a blood test?

After refusal in a accident when someone is injured.

When people drink alcoholic beverages, which skills are reduced that effect driving?

All mental and physical skills.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Amount of alcohol in the blood expressed as a percentage of alcohol in the blood stream. Factors such as how much alcohol consumed, the period of time over which alcohol is consumed, body weight and gender affect levels of BAC.

Alcoholism

An addiction to alcohol.

Implied Consent Law

Applies to all DRIVERS, or anyone who receives a driver's license. You automatically consent to be tested for blood alcohol content and other drugs if stopped for suspicion of drug use while driving. In NC, refusal to perform any required test will result in the immediate revocation of your driver license for at least 30 days and an additional, minimum 1 year revocation by the DMV.

Why is it difficult for people to confront negative peer pressure?

Because a person feels pressure to fit in.

What can happen if a large amount of alcohol is consumed in a short period of time?

Death.

What is an alcohol's PROOF?

Describes the strength of liquor. By dividing liquor's proof number by 2, you can determine its approximate percentage of alcohol: 100 proof = 50% alcohol by volume

What is the best advice you can give to a friend who is planning to go to a party and drink?

Don't drive and make sure you have a designated driver or other safe way home.

What is the most common penalty for a first time conviction of DWI?

Driver's license suspension.

North Carolina DWI

Driving While Impaired: An offense for which a driver can be charged if the driver's blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or above.

What is the number one highway safety problem in NC and the United States?

Drunk driving (driving while intoxicated).

Peer Pressure

External force that results from peers trying to influence you to do certain things or act a certain way.

Inhibitions

Inner forces of personality that restrain or hold back impulsive behavior.

Peer Influence

Internal force created by desire to be accepted by others.

Nystagmus

Involuntary jerking of the eyes as the person gazes to the side. Law enforcement may include a nystagmus eye-check test as part of a field sobriety test.

Zero Tolerance Law

Law stating it is illegal for people under the age of 21 to drive with any measure of alcohol or drugs in the blood. In NC, if you have ANY amount of drugs or alcohol in your system, your driver's license will be revoked for 1 year. Even with a BAC as little as 0.01% may subject you to a driver's license sanction.

Prescription Medicine

Medicine that can only be purchased if ordered by a doctor. Check pharmacist labels on prescription drugs. It is against the law to drive if the prescription warns against driving due to impairment.

Over The Counter Medicine

Or OTC'S -- drugs that are available with out a doctors prescription but can have side effects that cause drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reaction time, and poor judgement.

Designated Driver

Person who agrees not to consume any alcoholic beverages and is appointed to the drivers who do.

Peer Education

Process in which young people help other young people make decisions and determine goals.

Field Sobriety Test

Series of on the spot roadside tests that help an officer detect impairment of a driver suspected of DWI. These include eye, coordination and breathalyzer (intoxilyzer) tests. Blood tests are done at the police station.

Illegal Per Se Laws

State laws that make it a criminal offense to drive: ~ With a BAC of 0.08 or greater ~ Any amount of illegal drugs in one's system ~ Any other drugs at a level that impairs driving

Dram Shop Law

State laws that provide liability to someone who serves, buys or gives alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated or underage individual. Provider can be liable for the death or injury caused by the intoxicated person. (Also see bottom of pg. 29-30 in NC Driver's Handbook).

Intoxicated

Stupefied or excited by a chemical substance.

Why can over the counter drugs be harmful to drivers?

They can make you drowsy and sleepy and slow reaction time.

Which is the best way to rid the body of alcohol?

Time. It takes about 1.5 hours for the liver to oxidize and rid the body of alcohol at the 0.02 - 0.03 BAC level or the equivilent of 12 oz. of beer.