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 timeThe majority (90 percent) of the alcohol detoxified is oxidized ( burned up) by the liverThe 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 BACA simple breath test will show a motorist’s BACBAC 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:SpeedingWeavingSlow drivingJerking motion quick stops

Good Host and the Drinking Driver

Never insist that a guest should drink and alcoholic beverage or insist on refillsStop serving alcohol well before the party endsSuggest a nap or invite the guest to stay the nightAs a last resort, notify policeHost 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