Podcast
Questions and Answers
As a depressant, alcohol primarily affects the central nervous system, especially the ______.
As a depressant, alcohol primarily affects the central nervous system, especially the ______.
brain
The process of alcohol destruction initiates in the ______ after alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.
The process of alcohol destruction initiates in the ______ after alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.
liver
The percentage of ethanol in the blood, which is affected by factors like the quantity of food in the stomach and gender, is known as Blood Alcohol ______ (BAC).
The percentage of ethanol in the blood, which is affected by factors like the quantity of food in the stomach and gender, is known as Blood Alcohol ______ (BAC).
Content
The extent of alcohol influence is determined by measuring alcohol in the blood or the alcohol content in the ______.
The extent of alcohol influence is determined by measuring alcohol in the blood or the alcohol content in the ______.
Unlike a test that directly measures blood alcohol content (BAC), a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) measures the amount of alcohol in your ______.
Unlike a test that directly measures blood alcohol content (BAC), a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) measures the amount of alcohol in your ______.
In Texas, operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated constitutes the offense of Driving While ______ (DWI).
In Texas, operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated constitutes the offense of Driving While ______ (DWI).
According to Texas's per se law, a driver is considered under the influence if a chemical test reveals a blood-alcohol content of ______ percent or higher.
According to Texas's per se law, a driver is considered under the influence if a chemical test reveals a blood-alcohol content of ______ percent or higher.
Texas's Implied Consent Law stipulates that by operating a vehicle on public roads, drivers ______ to submit to alcohol intoxication tests if requested by law enforcement.
Texas's Implied Consent Law stipulates that by operating a vehicle on public roads, drivers ______ to submit to alcohol intoxication tests if requested by law enforcement.
The Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) includes the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, which assesses the involuntary jerking of the ______ as they move to the side.
The Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) includes the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, which assesses the involuntary jerking of the ______ as they move to the side.
For commercial drivers in Texas, the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is ______ percent.
For commercial drivers in Texas, the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is ______ percent.
For a minor in Texas, operating a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a charge of Driving Under the ______ (DUI).
For a minor in Texas, operating a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a charge of Driving Under the ______ (DUI).
Besides the breathalyzer, the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) consists of three tests. These include Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and ______ Stand.
Besides the breathalyzer, the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) consists of three tests. These include Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and ______ Stand.
If a driver refuses to take a test for alcohol consumption, their license will be revoked for ______ days.
If a driver refuses to take a test for alcohol consumption, their license will be revoked for ______ days.
What is the primary purpose of performing post-mortem alcohol testing?
What is the primary purpose of performing post-mortem alcohol testing?
In the context of post-mortem investigations, how does the detection of alcohol typically influence the assessment of cause of death?
In the context of post-mortem investigations, how does the detection of alcohol typically influence the assessment of cause of death?
Which of the following effects are commonly associated with alcohol consumption? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following effects are commonly associated with alcohol consumption? (Select all that apply)
What is the most abused drug in America, which is responsible for about 40% of all traffic deaths?
What is the most abused drug in America, which is responsible for about 40% of all traffic deaths?
How long does it take for alcohol to be fully absorbed in your blood for every ounce consumed?
How long does it take for alcohol to be fully absorbed in your blood for every ounce consumed?
Alcohol is absorbed from the stomach (20%) and small intestines (80%) into the bloodstream.
Alcohol is absorbed from the stomach (20%) and small intestines (80%) into the bloodstream.
Which of the following statements is true regarding the movement of alcohol in the bloodstream?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the movement of alcohol in the bloodstream?
Which of the following factors influence Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following factors influence Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)? (Select all that apply)
In the lungs, CO2 and alcohol leave the blood and are exhaled during breathing.
In the lungs, CO2 and alcohol leave the blood and are exhaled during breathing.
The extent to which an individual may be under the influence of alcohol is usually determined by what methods?
The extent to which an individual may be under the influence of alcohol is usually determined by what methods?
What does Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) refer to?
What does Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) refer to?
What constitutes an offense for a minor under Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws?
What constitutes an offense for a minor under Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws?
What are Texas's BAC limits for drivers?
What are Texas's BAC limits for drivers?
What will happen if you refuse to be tested for alcohol by an officer?
What will happen if you refuse to be tested for alcohol by an officer?
Which test is known as the most accurate for detecting alcohol impairment with an accuracy rate of 88%?
Which test is known as the most accurate for detecting alcohol impairment with an accuracy rate of 88%?
What is the accuracy percentage for the Walk and Turn test?
What is the accuracy percentage for the Walk and Turn test?
Which of the following are examples of field sobriety tests? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are examples of field sobriety tests? (Select all that apply)
Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) is an involuntary jerking of the eyes that occurs as the eyes move to the side. Which of the following statements about HGN is true?
Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) is an involuntary jerking of the eyes that occurs as the eyes move to the side. Which of the following statements about HGN is true?
When a person has consumed alcohol, nystagmus is [blank] & noticeable.
When a person has consumed alcohol, nystagmus is [blank] & noticeable.
What does the walk-and-turn test (WAT) require a person to do?
What does the walk-and-turn test (WAT) require a person to do?
What is the purpose of the OLS test, where a person holds a foot up 6 inches off the ground for 30 seconds while counting aloud?
What is the purpose of the OLS test, where a person holds a foot up 6 inches off the ground for 30 seconds while counting aloud?
The OPEN CONTAINER LAW states that a person knowingly possesses an open container in a passenger area of a motor vehicle located on a public highway, regardless of whether the vehicle is being operated or is [blank].
The OPEN CONTAINER LAW states that a person knowingly possesses an open container in a passenger area of a motor vehicle located on a public highway, regardless of whether the vehicle is being operated or is [blank].
Under what circumstances can a minor legally possess an alcoholic beverage?
Under what circumstances can a minor legally possess an alcoholic beverage?
What is defined as public intoxication?
What is defined as public intoxication?
Flashcards
Alcohol
Alcohol
A drug that acts as a depressant, affecting the central nervous system, especially the brain.
Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
Blurred vision, difficulty walking, slurred speech, slowed reaction times and impaired memory.
Where is Alcohol Absorbed?
Where is Alcohol Absorbed?
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream via the stomach (20%) and small intestines (80%).
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
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Preliminary Breath Test (PBT)
Preliminary Breath Test (PBT)
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Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
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Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
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Per Se Law (BAC)
Per Se Law (BAC)
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Implied Consent Law
Implied Consent Law
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Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST)
Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST)
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Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
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Walk and Turn & One Leg Stand
Walk and Turn & One Leg Stand
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Refusal Consequences (Implied Consent)
Refusal Consequences (Implied Consent)
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Post-mortem Alcohol Testing
Post-mortem Alcohol Testing
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Alcohol's Effects
Alcohol's Effects
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Implied Consent (Alcohol Testing)
Implied Consent (Alcohol Testing)
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Study Notes
- Alcohol is a drug, often abused in America
- About 40% of traffic fatalities involve alcohol
- It is a depressant impacting the central nervous system
- Alcohol rapidly appears in blood, taking 1 hour to fully absorb 0.015 ounces
Alcohol & The Brain
- Alcohol acts as a depressant, affecting the central nervous system, particularly the brain
- Effects include blurred vision, difficulty walking, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, and impaired memory
Alcohol in the Body
- Approximately 20% of alcohol is absorbed from the stomach and 80% from the small intestine into the bloodstream
- Alcohol is transported to the liver for detoxification
- Blood carries it to the heart and then to the lungs, where CO2 and alcohol are exhaled
Blood Alcohol Content
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) measures the ethanol percentage in blood (g/dL)
- BAC is impacted by the amount of alcohol consumed, its content in the drink, and time for consumption
- Gender, food quantity/type in the stomach, and individual physiology also influence BAC
BAC Chart
- BAC is influenced by body weight, gender, and the number of drinks consumed
Testing for Alcohol
- Alcohol influence is determined by measuring alcohol quantity in the blood or the content in breath
- Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) measures alcohol in breath, not blood alcohol content (BAC)
DWI vs. DUI
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) involves operating a vehicle in public while intoxicated, a Class B misdemeanor
- Consequences include 3-180 days jail, up to $2,000 fine, and a 90-day license suspension
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is commited by minors operating a vehicle or watercraft in public with any detectable amount of alcohol, a Class C misdemeanor
- Consequences include a license suspension of 60 days, a fine up to $500, and 20-40 hours of community service
Per Se Law
- Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher leads to "under the influence" charges
- Texas BAC limits:
- 0.08% for those 21 years or older
- 0.04% for commercial drivers
- Any detectable amount for those under 21 years old
Implied Consent Law
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advocated for "implied consent" laws for alcohol testing which was adopted by all states in 1973
- Operating a vehicle on public roads implies consent to alcohol intoxication testing
- Refusing the test results in license confiscation and revocation for 180 days, with arrest implications
Standard Field Sobriety Test
- Since 1975, tests have been used to determine inebriation, known as the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST)
- Three main tests:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (88% accuracy)
- Walk and Turn (79% accuracy)
- One Leg Stand (83% accuracy)
- Additional tests include counting the alphabet backwards, finger count, and nose touch
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) is an involuntary jerking of the eyes when moving to the side
- Consuming alcohol exaggerates the nystagmus
- Nystagmus can stem from medical issues like diabetes, stroke, tumors, or trauma
Walk and Turn & One Leg Stand
- The Walk and Turn & One Leg Stand assess physical and cognitive functions
- Walk and Turn consists of walking 9 heel-to-toe steps, turning, and walking 9 steps back
- One Leg Stand requires holding one foot 6" off the ground for 30 seconds
Other Laws
- OPEN CONTAINER LAW prohibits possessing an open container in a vehicle's passenger area on public roads
- This Class C misdemeanor carries a fine up to $500
- MINOR IN POSSESSION means that it is an offense for minors possessing alcohol, with exceptions for:
- During employment
- In the visible presence of adult parent/guardian/spouse
- Acting under authority of TABC officer
- PUBLIC INTOXICATION: appearing intoxicated in public in a way that endangers oneself or others is an offense
Forensic Testing
- Forensic testing identifies alcohol presence and its implications under the law
- Testing determines if:
- A driver's BAC exceeds legal limits
- An underage minor consumed alcohol
- Someone on parole consumed alcohol
- Alcohol contributed to an accident
- Post-mortem testing determines alcohol's role in a person's death
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