Chapter 8 · Lesson 5 of 11
Impaired driving
4 min read · Accidents and Emergency Situations
Explanation
Alcohol harms the brain’s ability to think clearly, reduces physical coordination and slows reaction time. The likelihood of an accident increases when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The primary factors that determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are:
- how much alcohol is consumed;
- how quickly it is consumed; and
- the person’s body weight.
Prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine and recreational drugs can also impair reasoning and coordination. Read medication labels and discuss side effects with a physician or pharmacist before driving.
A driver may be impaired if the vehicle makes wide turns; weaves or straddles the center line; travels at an unusual speed; nearly hits something; swerves, drifts or follows too closely; stops without reason; turns abruptly or illegally; signals inconsistently; or travels at night without headlights. These behaviors may indicate impairment, but they do not prove it.
Example
You see a car weaving across the center line, varying its speed and signaling inconsistently. You recognize the possible impairment signs and give the vehicle extra space.
Common mistake
Assuming only illegal drugs affect driving. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair reasoning and coordination too.
What the manual says
Alcohol negatively affects your brain’s ability to think clearly and your physical coordination, and it decreases your reaction time.
Many prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and other recreational drugs will also impair your reasoning and coordination.
Sources
- Manual p. 59
“Alcohol negatively affects your brain's ability to think clearly and your physical coordination, and it decreases your reaction time.”
- Manual p. 59
“The primary factors in determining an individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are: the amount of alcohol consumed, how quickly the alcohol is consumed, and the individual's body weight.”
- Manual p. 59
“Many prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and other recreational drugs will also impair your reasoning and coordination.”
- Manual p. 59
“Always consult the label on any medication and discuss its side effects with a physician or pharmacist before driving.”
- Manual p. 59
“Makes wide turns”
- Manual p. 59
“Straddles the center line or weaves back and forth”
- Manual p. 59
“Exceeds the speed limit or drives unusually slowly”
- Manual p. 59
“Comes close to hitting another vehicle or object”
- Manual p. 59
“Swerves, drifts, or follows too closely”
- Manual p. 59
“Stops for no reason or turns abruptly or illegally”
- Manual p. 59
“Signals inconsistently or drives at night without headlights.”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3