Foolishness Behind the Wheel: Drinking and Driving

Driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous. Drivers with high levels of alcohol in their blood are at a high risk for car accidents, injuries on the road, and death. All of the incidents that occur because of drunk driving are 100% preventable. Sadly, intoxicated driving is a serious problem that affects numerous people and families each year.

When you look at statistics, it is easy to forget that they represent real people and actual lives that are ruined from alcohol-impaired driving. As you continue through this topic, please try to relate the information to your life. Think about how you can protect yourself and others from DUI convictions, car accidents, license suspension, and harm.

Alcohol and Your Blood

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC). At this level, you are considered "drunk." Drinking and driving is a serious offense. For drivers, a BAC of .08% can result in a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction nationwide. For those under 21 years old, there is a zero tolerance limit―even the smallest amount of alcohol is grounds for a DUI or DWI arrest. Being convicted of driving under the influence can impact your life in different ways, including loss of employment, possible prevention of employment, higher insurance rates, financial setbacks, embarrassment, and having that conviction on your driving records for years.

When you drink alcohol, it does not just go from your mouth to your stomach. The alcohol is absorbed into your blood and travels throughout your body, preventing your mind and body from performing at their normal levels. The amount of alcohol in your blood is called blood alcohol concentration or content. Blood alcohol content is measured by the percentage of concentration of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. Click the player button to begin.

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Even with low blood alcohol levels, young drivers have higher incidents of car crashes because of their lack of driving experience. Alcohol can cause people to have risky driving behavior, such as speeding and making dangerous passes, because alcohol causes a sense of invincibility, or a feeling of confidence to take more risks. The inability to cope with hazardous situations leads to poor decision making when driving while drunk.

Drinking and Driving Don't Mix

Throughout your life, and maybe even now, you may have to face the decision to drink and drive, or to ride in a car with someone who has decided to drink and drive. You may even know someone who has been injured or killed because of drinking and driving. In this interactivity, you will learn a bit more about the risks and consequences of drinking and driving. Click the player button to get started.

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How to Say "No"

There is often a lot of pressure to drink alcohol. Even if you decide to not drink, you may be faced with situations where you are still in danger because of friends who are drinking alcohol, or other teenagers who are driving while impaired. Remember that your first option is to always avoid pressure when possible. If you know that alcohol will be present at a party, and you are not sure you could resist drinking, then you should not go. If you find yourself at a party where you do not feel comfortable, be sure to talk to your parents and know what your family’s plan is if you are unsafe and need to get home safely.

Sometimes it is hard to say no. When choosing not to drink, it is best to come up with a plan on how you will handle the situation. Being assertive can prove critical to your health and well-being. Here are several steps to think about when coming up with your plan:

1. Decide to stay in control of the situation and have full confidence in your answer when you say no.
2. Responding immediately will show that you are sure of yourself, so do not hesitate.
3. You can keep your answer brief; a long explanation is not needed.
4. Know your reasons for saying no, and make them PERSONAL.

Remember, having principles and sticking by them is your right. It is a mature decision to stay in control of your own situation, and maintain a stance based on your safety and beliefs.

 

Drinking and Driving Review

Now that you have learned about the dangers of drinking and driving, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click the player button to get started.