DRIVER EDUCATION NOTES
CHAPTER 15: Alcohol Other Drugs, and Driving
15-1 Effects of Alcohol on Driver Performance
Objectives: • Explain how alcohol affects mental and physical abilities needed for driving.
• Define blood-alcohol concentration.
• Explain factors that affect blood alcohol concentration.
• List five myths and truths about the use of alcohol.
New Vocabulary: blood-alcohol concentration (BAC), designated driver, euphoria, inhibitions
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in our society today. It is by far the most frequently found drug in
fatally injured drivers. All states now enforce a minimum drinking age of 21.
I. Alcohol Facts - Some people are unaware that alcohol is a drug. Alcohol is classified as a drug because of
its effects on the body’s central nervous system. The effects of alcohol vary from person to person.
However, everyone who uses alcohol is affected by it to some degree. One of the most serious problems of
alcohol is the problem of the drinking driver. Consider these facts about alcohol and driving:
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II. How Alcohol Affects Behavior - As soon as alcohol reaches the brain, it affects the way people think and
behave. Just one drink can affect a person’s behavior, both mentally and physically, regardless of the type
of alcoholic drink. The same amount of alcohol does not affect all people the same way. The best way to
avoid changes in behavior is to abstain from alcohol.
A. Mental Abilities and Alcohol - Alcohol begins to affect a person’s abilities almost the moment it
enters the body.
1. Judgment and Reasoning - A driver affected by alcohol has a decreased ability to reason
clearly and make sound judgments. The driver might actually feel as though thinking and
judgment are sharper and quicker than usual. A person in this condition can develop a
false feeling of well being, this is known as euphoria. The IPDE process is affected
when judgment and reasoning abilities are reduced. The impaired driver is less able to
correctly interpret what they see. Target areas may become unclear and scanning of
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DRIVER EDUCATION NOTES
zones may become erratic. Alcohol weakens a person’s inhibitions, the inner forces of
personality that restrain or hold back one’s impulsive behavior. The person might drive
too fast, take needless risks, or even drive into emergency situations without knowing or
caring.
B. Physical Abilities and Alcohol - As more alcohol enters the bloodstream, the area of the brain
that controls muscular movements and body control begins to slow down.
1. Reaction Time and Coordination -
2. Seeing and Speaking Abilities -
C.
Other Physical Problems -
D.
Long-Term Effects III. Alcohol in the Body - The amount of alcohol in the blood is called blood-alcohol-concentration (BAC);
this percentage can be determined by chemical tests. The level of intoxication is determined by the percent
of alcohol in the bloodstream. Each drink adds about 0.02 to 0.03 percent to the person’s BAC.
A. Amount of Alcohol in a Drink - The term “proof” describes the strength of liquor. Divide
liquor’s proof number by 2 to determine its approximate percentage of alcohol. (100 proof =
50% alcohol) 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1-½ ounces of liquor, contain the same
amount of alcohol.
1. Factors Affecting BAC - The percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream depends on the
following factors:
a.
b.
c.
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DRIVER EDUCATION NOTES
To a lesser degree, some types of food in the stomach may make a difference in the rate
the alcohol is absorbed. The safest decision a person can make about alcoholic beverages
is the decision to abstain from drinking.
2. Controlling Impairment -
IV. Myths and Truths about Alcohol
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I can sober-up by drinking black coffee and taking a cold shower or doing exercise.
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One little drink won’t hurt me.
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I will not be affected because I am only drinking beer.
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I can drive better after a few drinks.
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A young person cannot become a problem drinker.
V. Reducing Driver Risk - As a responsible driver, you can help reduce the risk of drinking and driving.
Always refuse to ride with drivers who have been drinking. Make every effort to keep others from driving
when they have been drinking. One way to reduce the risk of drinking and driving can is to appoint a
person to be the designated driver, which is a person who abstains from drinking alcohol.
Review It
1. How does alcohol affect mental and physical abilities needed for driving?
2. What is meant by blood-alcohol concentration?
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DRIVER EDUCATION NOTES
Review It
3. Describe factors that affect blood-alcohol concentration.
4. What are three myths about alcohol, and what is the truth about each myth?
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