Helpful Driving Information

ALCOHOL AND DRIVING

Perhaps the single most dangerous driving practice is driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Defensive driving techniques and knowledge of the rules of the road simply cannot compensate for the serious impairment of driving while under the influence. Impaired drivers endanger themselves and others, and they risk severe legal and financial consequences. Sober driving is among the most important factors of safe driving.

ALCOHOL AND DRIVING

Everybody has probably heard the old slogan "Drinking and Driving Don't Mix." This statement is true.
Drinking and driving is dangerous because drinking and/or drug use can substantially impair your judgment and reactions. Collision studies show that the higher a drivers intoxication level, the more severe his or her collision.

ALCOHOL AND DRIVING

In each mile you drive, you make hundreds of decisions. Alcohol inhibits your ability to make safe and responsible decisions. For example, you have just stopped at a STOP sign. You see another vehicle approaching the intersection. You must quickly make a decision whether it is safe to go through the intersection. Under the influence of alcohol, you are more likely to make a wrong decision. Slower reaction time, coupled with poor decision-making could mean real trouble. It could lead to a collision that could have been prevented.

ALCOHOL AND DRIVING

People drink alcohol to put themselves into a carefree, childlike mood. The problem is that you cannot turn it off when you drive home.
Alcohol is a depressant. It first impairs your judgment. Next it impairs the brain center and senses, including taste, smell, sight, and hearing. It affects your motor skills: the movement of your hands, fingers, and legs all go in rapid succession, leaving you incapable of perceiving your surroundings or ability to drive.

ALCOHOL AND DRIVING

According to NHTSA, in 2006, there were 17,602 fatalities in alcohol-related collisions —41% of total traffic fatalities for the year.

ALCOHOL AND DRIVING

The graphic shows fatalities in collisions involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .08% or higher as a percentage of overall fatalities by state.
Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 2006

Young people, who have less experience with both alcohol and driving, are at the greatest risk.
In 2006, 19% of the 16- to 20-year-old drivers involved in fatal collisions had a BAC of 0.08%.

• The expense and hardship to your family.
• Your employment may be jeopardized.
• Your insurance rates will significantly increase.
• Liability insurance may not cover the cost of injuries and damage from a traffic collision. You could be sued. It could be difficult or impossible to get new liability insurance for several years.
  

TESTING

Tests for determining BAC level include breath, urine, and blood tests.
Breath Alcohol Test is the most common test and can be done road side.

Many people think chemical test evidence is required to prove you were intoxicated or impaired. However, a police officer's testimony about your appearance and behavior when arrested can provide enough evidence alone to convict you, even without a chemical test.
Refusing to take the tests is a crime and there will be consequences should you make this choice.

THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS

Much of what has been said about alcohol also applies to drugs (both legally prescribed medicines and illegal drugs). Almost any drug can affect a person's driving ability. This is true of prescription drugs, drugs you can buy over-the-counter, and illegal drugs.
Remember, even though you may feel fine, you may not be totally free of the adverse effects that can influence your driving.

THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS

• Most drugs taken for headaches, colds, hay fever, allergy, or to calm nerves can make a person drowsy and affect their driving.
• Carefully read and follow the directions about dosage and beware of side effects. Pay close attention to warnings about continued dosage.

THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS

• Drivers should ask their physician or pharmacist about how any medicine may affect their driving.
• Many drugs have unexpected effects when taken with alcohol. Drugs and alcohol should never be used at the same time.

THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS

Persons refusing these tests will be subject to the same license suspensions and revocations as for alcohol test refusals.
Anyone convicted of manufacturing, possessing, or selling illegal drugs may also be subject to license suspension.

THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS

Make sure you read the label and know the effects of any drug you use. If it is a common drug, read the label. Any drug that "may cause drowsiness or dizziness" is one you should not take before driving. It is illegal to drive after taking any drug that impairs your driving. The law does not distinguish between prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal drugs.

IMPLIED CONSENT LAW

An Implied Consent law is enforced throughout the United States. According to this law, by driving a vehicle you have agreed to submit to chemical tests of your breath, blood, or urine to determine alcohol or drug content, if asked to do so by a law enforcement officer. That is, you have already answered "yes" to allow a chemical test of your BAC if requested by a law enforcement officer.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

The illegal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08%. It is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08% or more.
The laws are stricter for drivers under 21 years of age and commercial drivers.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

A BAC below the legal limit does not mean that it is safe to drive, regardless of your age. Almost all drivers show the effects of alcohol at levels lower than the legal limit. You must always drive attentively and carefully. You must not drive after you have taken any drink or drug that changes how you drive, makes you less careful, or slows your reactions.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

If you are convicted of DUI (Driving Under the Influence), you will face criminal charges and the judge may give you jail time and mandatory community service.
You will also have to pay heavy fines. In addition, you may lose your license for a certain period of time. Your vehicle may be taken away and you may be forced to pay for its storage.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

The punishments are even stricter for second and third offenses. The amount of fines and jail time also increases.
If you try to get insurance after a DUI conviction, it will be very expensive.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

The law is very strict on carrying alcohol or drugs in a vehicle. You must not drink any alcoholic beverages in vehicles you are driving. Do not carry an open bottle or anything containing alcohol on your person or in your car. Containers of liquor, beer, or wine carried in a vehicle must be full, sealed, and unopened. Otherwise, they must be placed in the trunk.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

It is a serious crime when a person is killed or hurt as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will be punished with fines, jail, and/or license suspension or revocation. You could also face a civil law suit that could result in financial disaster.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW FOR DRIVERS UNDER 21 YEARS

If you are under 21 years of age, as little as one sip of alcohol makes it illegal for you to drive. If you are convicted of driving after consuming alcohol and your BAC is at any measurable amount, you can be fined and your license will be suspended or revoked.
Consult your state's Drivers Handbook for details.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A DRUNK DRIVER

A drunk driver experiences difficulty with common driving tasks. Learn to recognize these driving errors and avoid drunk drivers. You should watch out for drivers that exhibit the following tendencies:

• Driving too fast
• Making erratic changes in speed or slow driving in the fast lane
• Running over the curb, going into the wrong lane, weaving, or straddling two lanes

• Driving over the centerline or crossing a double yellow line
• Stopping short of a stop sign, overshooting a stop sign, running a stop sign, or stopping on the road
• Failing to signal or signaling deceptively
• Driving at night with no lights or failing to dim bright lights

It is always a good idea to designate a driver. If you are going out with friends, agree in advance who will not drink and who will do the driving. If you have not designated a driver in advance, take a cab, use public transportation, call someone who has not been drinking for a ride, or spend the night where you are. Under no circumstances should you drive after you have been drinking.