Driver's Ed Chapter 6

Distance Judgement

A motorist should know his/her distance from any object while driving. Bad distance judgement often causes accidents.

Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol is a drug that affects overall driving ability. Alcohol may make a motorist overconfident and unable to think clearly. Motorists who drink may make more mistakes. Drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases a motorist's chances of having an accident NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE

How is alcohol removed from the body?

Alcohol is removed slowly by the body. 90% of the alcohol detoxified is oxidized (burned up) by the liver. 10% is eliminated in breath, urine and sweat.

Peripheral Vision

Also known as side vision, is essential for safe driving. Side vision helps a motorist see out of the corner of his/her eyes while looking straight ahead.

Designated Driver

Being a designated driver is a great responsibility. The designated driver is responsible for the safe transportation of friends or family members who have been drinking drinking alcoholic beverages. Designated drivers not only ensure the safety of the people they are escorting home but also the safety of other motorists.

Drinking and Driving

Drinking affects a motorist's thinking and slows reaction time. Alcohol may give a motorist a false feeling that he/she can do anything.

Effects of Alcohol

Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means that a driver's senses and judgement are impaired by alcohol. After two, three, or even four drinks, alcohol begins to impair reaction time, coordination, and balance. Vision and the ability to judge distance is affected, making it difficult to react and to drive safely. ***The only thing that can make a person sober is time.

Healthy Driving

Health: any health problem can affect an individual's driving. Even little problems like a stiff neck, a cough, or sore leg can give an individual trouble while driving. If a motorist is not feeling well, he/she should let someone else drive.

BAC Levels and effects

If a motorist has reached a BAC of slightly above .05 percent after drinking, the risk for causing a motor vehicle accident doubles. The risk is 6 times as great when driving with a BAC of .10 percent. The risk is 25 times as great when driving with a BAC of .15 percent.

Prescription Drugs

If asked, motorists using prescription drugs must show proof of the 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.

Good Host and the Designated Driver

If someone drinks too much, do not let them drive. Hosts may become involved in a lawsuit if a guest is involved in a drinking and driving collision after leaving the party. Especially if he or she is a minor As a last resort, notify the police if needed for your drunk guest.

Hearing

It can warn a motorist of danger. The sound of horns, sirens or screeching tires warn a motorist to be careful. A motorist may be able to hear a car that cannot be seen. Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio is blaring or he/she is wearing headphones. A motorist should keep the radio down and NEVER wear earphones.

NJ Law

It is illegal for an individual who is 21 years of age or older to drive with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. It is illegal to drive with a BAC of .01 percent or higher if you are under the age of 21.

Drugs and Driving

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on New Jersey roadways under the influence of any illegal drugs. Drugs that "may cause drowsiness or dizziness" should not be taken before driving. Drugs that may affect basic driving skills include cold pills, tranquilizers, and some prescription medications. Never mix drugs without asking a medical professional about possible side effects or how the drug may affect driving. ***Alcohol should never be mixed with any drugs or medications.

Marijuana affects a motorist's

Loss of tracking ability: maintain a vehicle in a given line. Distance Judgement: following too closely can cause problems. Vigilance: not remaining attentive to the driving task can cause a motorist to follow too closely, drift into another lane, etc. Divided attention: driving is a task that requires attention to traffic, roadway and weather conditions, passengers, gauges, etc.

Vision

Most of what a motorist does behind the wheel is based on what he/she sees. 90%

How much is too much?

Only scientific way to know is through Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC. A breath test will show a motorist's BAC.

BAC is determined by...

Quantity of alcohol consumed Body weight How quickly drinks were consumed Food eaten

State Law

Refusal to take a breath test is equal to driving with a BAC of .10 percent for a first offense. The current penalty for both is the loss of driving privileges for seven months to one year, to run concurrently or consecutively, based upon judge's order. Motorists who refuse to take a breath test in New Jersey are also subject to an MV insurance surcharge of $1000 per year for three years.

Tell tale signs of Drinking

Speeding Weaving: driving straight is often a problem for an intoxicated driver. Slow driving: an intoxicated driver may be overly cautious and driver slower than the normal traffic flow. Jerking motion: an intoxicated driver often may have short mental lapses and not keep a steady speed on a clear road. Quick stops: an intoxicated driver may make sudden stops at a traffic sign or light.

State Law regarding vision

State law permits the Motor Vehicle Commission to retest 10% of the population each year. A motorist should have his/her eyes tested every year or two. If over age 40, a motorist should have his/her eyes checked every year for special problems.

One Drink Equals

There is just as much alcohol in the average beer as there is in the average drink of whiskey or wine. Studies show that most people arrested for drinking and driving had been drinking beer. Men are more likely to drink and drive

What is the only thing that can sober you up?

Time

Which gender and which drink are most common in drunk driving?

men and beer

Alcohol may make a motorist...

overconfident