DMV Chapter 9 Flashcards

Alcohol Impact on Driving

• Alcohol negatively affects both driving skills and judgment.
• Impairment occurs with any level of alcohol consumption, increasing risk of accidents.

Drugs Affecting Driving

• Various drugs, including allergy medications, marijuana, and cold remedies, can impair driving ability.
• Any substance that alters perception or reflexes can create unsafe driving conditions.

Combined Effects of Substances

• Mixing alcohol with other drugs amplifies their effects, worsening impairment and increasing dangers.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

• BAC is influenced by body weight, quantity consumed, and time between drinks.
• Physical fitness does not affect BAC levels.

Refusal of Chemical Testing

• Refusing a breath or blood test results in automatic suspension of the driver's license.

Consequences of Driving Under Influence

• Driving under the influence can lead to imprisonment, fines, and revocation of driving privileges.

Reducing Blood Alcohol Content

• The only effective way to lower BAC is by allowing time for the body to metabolize alcohol; remedies like coffee or exercise do not help.

Traffic Safety Concern

• Driving after consuming alcohol is a major traffic safety issue affecting all roadway users, not just the impaired driver.

Caution with Non-Prescription Drugs

• Always read labels on over-the-counter medications before operating a vehicle to understand their potential effects.

Effects of Alcohol on Reaction

• Alcohol impairs various driving-related functions, including recovery from glare, reaction times, and distance judgment.

Coffee and Alcohol

• Drinking coffee does not lower blood alcohol content and has no effect on the level of intoxication.

Alcohol Metabolism

• The human body typically processes the alcohol in 12 ounces of beer in approximately one hour.

Purpose of Chemical Tests

• Chemical tests are designed to accurately measure blood alcohol content.

Influencing Factors of Alcohol's Effects

• The effects of alcohol can be influenced by food intake, body weight, and the timing of drinks.

Intoxication Evidence

• A BAC of 0.08% is legally considered evidence of intoxication in most jurisdictions.

After Drinking Effects

• Alcohol consumption slows reflexes, distorts speed and distance perception, and reduces alertness; it does not enhance concentration.

Interaction of Alcohol with Medications

• Combining alcohol with prescription or OTC drugs can lead to intensified effects and increased risks.

Ensuring Safe Driving Post-Alcohol

• The safest option after drinking is to use a designated driver who has not been consuming alcohol.

Public Awareness on DUI

• Driving under the influence is a widespread issue that affects all drivers, regardless of their own drinking habits.

Importance of BAC Testing

• Breathalyzer tests are commonly used to measure a person's BAC for legal implications and potential convictions; physical fitness does not alter BAC.