DISTRACTED DRIVING

Alcohol Impaired driving

1. What is Alcohol-Impaired Driving?

Definition: Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Why it’s dangerous: Alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision, all critical for safe driving.

2. How Alcohol Affects Driving Slower Reaction Time:

• You respond more slowly to traffic signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
• Poor Coordination: Steering, braking, and controlling the car become more difficult. Impaired Judgment:
• Risky decisions, like speeding or ignoring traffic rules, are more likely.
• Reduced Vision & Focus: Difficulty concentrating, blurry vision, and poor lane keeping.

Tip: Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving; the risk increases with higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

3. Risks and Statistics: Alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in over 25% of road traffic deaths globally. A BAC of 0.08% (legal limit in many countries) significantly increases the risk of a crash. Consequences include:

• Fatal accidents,
• serious injuries,
• legal penalties (fines, license suspension, imprisonment),
• emotional trauma for victims and families.

4. Safe Driving Practices:

• Never drive after drinking alcohol. Use alternative transportation: taxi, ride-sharing apps, public transport, or a designated driver.
• Plan ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, make arrangements before leaving.
• Avoid peer pressure: Do not get into a car with someone who has been drinking.
• Know your limits: Even small amounts can impair driving.

Tip: Make a personal pledge to always stay sober while driving.

5. Self-Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever been in a situation where a driver was under the influence?
• How might alcohol affect your reaction in an emergency?
• What steps can you take to ensure you never drive impaired?

6. Quick Self-Check Quiz:

1. Name two ways alcohol affects driving ability.

2. True or False: A small amount of alcohol is safe and has no effect on driving.

3. What should you do if you need to go out after drinking alcohol?

Answers:

1. Slower reaction time, poor coordination, impaired judgment, reduced vision/focus

2. False – even small amounts impair driving

3. Use a taxi, ride-share, public transport, or a designated driver

7. Key Takeaways Alcohol-impaired driving is extremely dangerous and illegal.

No event, party, or drink is worth risking your life or others’ lives. Always plan ahead to ensure you stay sober behind the wheel. Remember:

Never drink and drive. Stay alert, stay alive.