“Impaired driving” refers to the problem of driving
under the influence of either alcohol or drugs — or both.
Also known as “drunk and drugged driving,” it is a violent
crime that can transform a vehicle into a deadly weapon.
The Impact Of Impairment
- There are six muscles attached to the eye. Alcohol and drugs affect
those muscles, making it more difficult to focus. That is why many very
intoxicated individuals see double — if they can see at all.
- Alcohol diminishes night vision.
- When your eyes are out of sync, the visual information flowing to your
brain (for example, judging distance) is flawed.
Some individuals build up a physical dependency in their system and do
not necessarily appear to be intoxicated when they are. They confuse these
conditions with being sober. But the simple facts are that alcohol impairs
an individual’s coordination, vision, reaction time and judgment — and that
alcohol mixed with driving can create a deadly combination.
Blood Alcohol Concentration
“Driving under the influence” (DUI) or “driving while intoxicated” (DWI) are
based on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), tests that accurately measure the
amount of alcohol in your body. BAC is used to determine the level of intoxication
and is the basis for enforcement and prosecution of the laws designed to deal with
impaired driving.
Alcohol Processing
One drink results in a measurable BAC.
One drink equals:
- One 12-ounce beer.
- One 5-ounce glass of wine.
- 1½ ounces of 80 proof liquor.
| Myth Vs. Fact: Preventatives And Cures |
Myth |
Fact |
| Eating food while you drink
will prevent you from getting
drunk or makes you get drunk
more slowly. |
Eating before and during
drinking slows down the body's
absorption of alcohol; however,
it is impossible to keep alcohol
out of the bloodstream. |
Drinking coffee and/or taking
a cold shower can help you
sober up quickly.
|
There are no short cuts to
sobering up; there is no way to
increase the oxidation rate —
the rate at which the body naturally
eliminates alcohol. Time
is the only way to sober up.
|
Common signs of impaired driving
- Making wide turns.
- Straddling the center line.
- Weaving across the road.
- Stopping abruptly.
- Making illegal turns.
- Swerving from a generally straight course.
- Driving into oncoming traffic.
- Braking erratically.
- Driving slower than 10 mph under the speed limit.
- Narrowly missing an object or other vehicle.
- Responding slowly to traffic signals.
If you suspect that a driver is impaired:
- Be prepared to take action.
- Keep your distance from the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is headed toward you, pull to the right, stop, honk
your horn and flash your lights.
- Do not try to intervene. Call 9-1-1. Have the vehicle license number,
vehicle description and location of the vehicle, or the direction in which
the vehicle was traveling.
Protect yourself and others
- Do not drink and drive.
- Do not take drugs and drive. In addition to illegal drugs, some
over-the-counter medications and common prescriptions can impair your
driving skills. Know the side effects of any medications you are taking.
- If you do drink, select a “designated driver.” You can also take a cab home.
- Do not let your friends drive if you know they have been drinking. Ensure they get a safe ride home.
- Never get into a vehicle with someone who is impaired.
- Avoid traveling on rural roads.
- Avoid traveling after midnight, especially on the weekends.
|
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