Street Survival

THINKING > IMPAIRED > ALCOHOL

Alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol negatively impacts good judgement and is likely to result in tragic consequences that will last a lifetime.

☠️ Info:

🛈 Info:

Thinking Impaired Alcohol
Infographic: The Worst Countries In The World For Drunk Driving | Statista You will find more infographics at Statista

Effects of alcohol

  • Mind:

  •       Overconfidence.

  •       Lowered inhibitions.

  •       More likely to take risks.

  •       Less able to judge distance and speed.

  •       Brazenness to disregard traffic signs and laws.

  •       Difficulty to focus and concentrate.

  •       Decreased vision.

  • Body:

  •       Slower reaction times.

  •       Lack of coordination.

  •       Vomiting.

☠️ Consequences of DUI

  • Killing yourself and others.

  • Imprisonment.

  • Criminal record.

  • Legal costs.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Level

  • A BAC level of 0.08% is the legal limit, however our driving can be impaired after just one drink. 

  • Depending on physiology, alcohol will affect people differently.

  • Level (Alcohol Rehab Guide):

  •       0.02 - Lack of judgment, increased relaxation, slightly                             increased body temperature, mood swings,                                   decreased visual functionality, inability to multi-task.

  •       0.05 - Increased lack of judgment, exaggerated behavior,                      lack of coordination, reduced ability to detect                                moving objects, lack of alertness, lack of inhibitions,                    decreased small-muscle control, reduced response                      rate.

  •       0.08 - Reduced muscle coordination, lack of judgment,                          lack of reasoning, lack of self-control, loss of short-                        term memory, reduced ability to concentrate, lack                        of speed control, reduced ability to process                                    information.

  •       0.10 - Poor coordination, slowed reaction times, reduced                       ability to control the vehicle, reduced ability to keep                     vehicle within a lane and brake at appropriate times,                   slurred speech.

  •       0.15 - Extreme loss of balance, nearly zero muscle control,                    vomiting, impaired visual and auditory information                      processing, significantly reduced attention to driving                  tasks.

☠️ Statistics on alcohol related deaths (Bankrate)

  • One alcohol-related death occurs every 52 minutes in the U.S., according to the NHTSA.

  • Drunk driving accidents are responsible for 10,000 deaths every year, and about 1/3 of all traffic-related deaths, according to the NHTSA.

  • In a recent year, more than 230 children were killed in drunk-driving crashes, the NHTSA reports.

  • Drinking and driving costs more than $44 billion in deaths and damages annually.

  • At the end of 2020, 26.8% of drivers that were killed or seriously injured in a crash had alcohol in their bloodstream, according to the NHTSA.

  • The consequences of driving under the influence are severe. A first-offense DUI can cost $10,000 or more in fines and legal fees.

  • In 2020, the number of fatal accidents involving alcohol was up 9% compared to 2019, even though drivers traveled 13% fewer miles overall.

  • Drunk driving accidents are statistically most likely to occur during the months of June, July and August, according to the NHTSA.

  • About 68% of alcohol-related fatalities happen at night and 28% happen during the daytime, based on NHTSA data.

🛈 How drunk driving can be prevented

Drunk driving is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies and measures in place to prevent drunk driving. Here are some key approaches to addressing and preventing drunk driving:

  • Strong legislation and enforcement: Implementing strict laws and penalties for drunk driving is crucial. This includes setting legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits, conducting sobriety checkpoints, and enforcing penalties such as fines, license suspensions, and even imprisonment for offenders. Regular and rigorous enforcement of these laws can act as a deterrent and discourage individuals from driving under the influence.

  • Public awareness campaigns: Raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving is essential. Public campaigns can educate people about the risks, promote responsible drinking behavior, and encourage alternative transportation options. These campaigns can use various channels such as television, radio, social media, and community events to reach a wide audience.

  • Designated driver programs: Encouraging the use of designated drivers is an effective way to prevent drunk driving. Friends or family members can take turns being the designated driver who remains sober and responsible for driving others safely. Public transportation services can also promote designated driver programs or offer discounted fares during peak drinking times.

  • Ignition interlock devices: These devices are breathalyzers installed in vehicles that measure the driver's BAC before allowing the engine to start. They are effective in preventing drunk driving by requiring a sober breath sample from the driver. Ignition interlock programs can be mandated for individuals convicted of drunk driving offenses, helping to ensure they don't repeat the behavior.

  • Safe alternatives and transportation options: Providing convenient and affordable alternatives to driving under the influence is crucial. This includes promoting the use of public transportation, ride-sharing services, taxis, or encouraging individuals to arrange for a sober friend or family member to drive them home. Offering these options reduces the temptation to drive while impaired.

  • Responsible alcohol service: Bars, restaurants, and establishments that serve alcohol can play a role in preventing drunk driving by training their staff to recognize signs of intoxication and refusing service to intoxicated individuals. Responsible alcohol service practices can help prevent patrons from reaching a level of impairment that would make them unsafe to drive.

  • Community involvement and collaboration: Engaging community organizations, schools, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders can create a collaborative approach to preventing drunk driving. This can involve organizing awareness events, educational programs, and advocating for stronger legislation and enforcement.

Preventing drunk driving requires a multifaceted approach that involves a combination of legal, educational, and social strategies. By implementing these measures and fostering a culture of responsible alcohol consumption and transportation, we can reduce the incidence of drunk driving and protect lives on the road.

🛈 Where to report a drunk driver

If you witness a drunk driver on the road and believe it poses a risk to public safety, it is important to take appropriate action. Here are some steps you can take to report a drunk driver:

  • Safely maintain your distance: Keep a safe distance from the suspected drunk driver and ensure your own safety. Do not attempt to confront or engage with the driver directly as it may escalate the situation or put yourself at risk.

  • Note important details: Make note of key information that can help authorities identify the vehicle and driver. This includes the license plate number, make, model, and color of the vehicle, as well as any distinguishing features or behaviors that indicate impairment.

  • Call emergency services: Dial the emergency services number in your country, such as 911 (in the United States) or the appropriate local emergency contact number. Provide them with a detailed description of the situation, including the location, direction of travel, and the information you gathered about the vehicle.

  • Follow the instructions of the emergency operator: The emergency operator will guide you on the appropriate steps to take. They may ask for additional information or provide further instructions based on the specific circumstances.

  • Cooperate with law enforcement: If law enforcement officers are dispatched to the scene, cooperate with them and provide any relevant information or details you have about the incident. They will take appropriate action based on their protocols and local laws.

Remember that reporting a suspected drunk driver is an important step in promoting road safety, but it's crucial to prioritize your own safety and the safety of others while doing so. Always exercise caution when observing and reporting incidents on the road.

🡄 Previous Page                                                                      Next Page 🡆

Street Survival