Alcohol and You
What does BAC stand for?
Blood Alcohol Concentration
What is the legal age to drink?
21
Alcohol is a...
Depressant
True or False: There is no such thing as responsible drinking for an underage person.
True: Illicit drug use is equally irresponsible. You can learn how to avoid impaired driving and you can learn the signs of alcoholism or drug addiction.
Define aggressive driving.
A combination of dangerous acts committed while driving.
What are three major categories of alcoholic drinking?
Experimentation, Recreational Drinking, and Alcohol Abuse
True or False: Approximately one in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.
True: Alcohol really does cause accidents.
What types of legal drugs impair driving ability?
Over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, and depressants
Name one of the two responsibilities to protect yourself from the effects of impaired driving.
1. People have a responsibility to protect themselves from the threat that drug use poses to their health and well-being.
2. People also have a responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk posed by people who drive while impaired.
Define road rage.
A crime that involves criminal acts directed against another person through physical violence while you are driving, and it often is the culmination of aggressive-driving behaviors.
What factors contribute to the effects of alcohol?
Expectations, mood, fatigue, and existing medications or medical sensitivities.
True or False: Food is absorbed faster than alcohol.
False: One drink causes rapid changes in the body because alcohol is absorbed faster than food.
What types of illegal drugs impair driving ability?
Stimulants, hallucinogens, and narcotics.
Name two out of the three support groups that can help people with substance abuse.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Alateen (an organization for young people who think or know that they have a problem with alcohol and need help).
How do emotions affect your driving?
When you experience a strong negative emotion, you may feel the need to do something forceful.
List 3 examples of alcohol abuse?
Drinking to get drunk, drinking and driving or driving while intoxicated, drinking to relieve stress, drinking to change a feeling, mood, or social situation, and gulping drinks.
List at least 3 specific areas of vision that alcohol impairs.
Visual acuity, side vision, color distinction, night vision, distance judgement, and static and dynamic vision.
Define synergism.
Synergism is the interaction of one drug with another to enhance the effect of one or both.
Name at least three legal measures designed to correct problems caused by alcohol.
Administrative License Revocation (ALR), Zero Tolerance Laws, Open Container Laws, the measurement of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), and legal penalties (such as fines, loss of license, jail time, community service, education courses, and ignition interlocks)
How can you avoid triggering aggressive driving? List at least 3 tips.
Don't tailgate, don't drive slowly in the passing lane, don't make gestures, be courteous, avoid eye contact, and don't retaliate.
True or False: Black coffee, a cold sower, lots of exercise, or all three together can quickly sober up a drinker.
False: The body cannot burn much more than 1/2-ounce of alcohol in an hour. Nothing can speed up the process.
What percent of all highway deaths are alcohol related?
40%
What are 4 signs that another driver is under the influence?
Traveling at erratic speeds, running over curbs or turning into the wrong lane, weaving or swerving, and ignoring or overshooting traffic signs.
Name at least four things you could lose as a result of alcohol or drug abuse.
Money, freedom, health, friends/family, driver's license, and life.
How can you prevent emotions from impairing your driving?
Recognize when emotions are strong and distract you from driving. Take time to collect your thoughts. Maintain a responsible attitude, anticipate mistakes by others, and make a habit of using correct procedures when driving.