This document discusses factors that influence blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, including types of alcoholic drinks, weight, gender, time spent drinking, and food consumption. It notes that BAC is affected by the size and alcohol content of drinks. Higher BAC levels impair brain function and can cause intoxication, reduced coordination, impaired judgment, and unconsciousness. The document also discusses how drugs like marijuana and prescription medications can negatively impact driving ability.

1. BAC Factors
BAC & factors
Types of drinks
Different weights
Male VS Female

2. 5 reasons people choose to drink
• Peer pressure
• Parents or siblings drink
• Have a good time
• Relieve stress/anxiety
• Our culture accepts
& encourages it

3. At what age is Drinking & Driving
Legal???
• Legal limit VA over 21 = .08
• Teens = .02 (zero tolerance)
• Most DUI’s are right at the legal limit, not
drunk
• Social drinkers
NEVER!

4. Blood Alcohol Concentration FactorsBlood Alcohol Concentration Factors
LiquorLiquor
BeerBeer
• Weight (blood volume)Weight (blood volume)
• Time Spent DrinkingTime Spent Drinking
• GenderGender
• FoodFood
• Alcohol Content andAlcohol Content and
Size of DrinkSize of Drink
WineWine
BAC is theBAC is the mathematicalmathematical ratio of the percentage ofratio of the percentage of
alcoholalcohol in thein the blood streamblood stream..
Factors affecting BACFactors affecting BAC

5. 100 proof = 50% alcohol
Proof = Half
.042 % - 12 oz. Beer = .50 oz
.045 % - 16 oz. Beer = .72 oz
.035 % - 12 oz. Lt Beer = .42 oz
80 proof – 1 oz. Whiskey = .40 oz.
80 proof – 1.5 oz. Whiskey = .60 oz.
.12 % - 5 oz. Wine = .60 oz.
.077 % - 12 oz Malt Liquor = .92 oz.
Are all
alcoholic
drinks the
same?
NO, but
similar

6. Are They The SameAre They The Same ??
LiquorLiquor
• BeerBeer
• WhiskeyWhiskey
• WineWine
• CoolerCooler
• MargaritaMargarita
T – 7.7BeerBeer
WineWine
Myth
A “DRINK” is:
•a 12-ounce beer,
•a 4- to 6-ounce glass
of wine, or
•a shot of liquor.
Fact
A “DRINK” is ½ an
ounce of alcohol.

7. What two factors are responsible
for the differences in alcohol
content?
• The size of the drink
• Percentage of alcohol in the drink

8. 200 LBS vs. 150 LBS Men &
Women
• 22oz-200 lb Male
• 18oz-200 lb Female
• 17oz-150 lb Male
• 13oz- 150 lb Female

9. BAC FactorsBAC Factors
WeightWeight **Heavier people have more blood**Heavier people have more blood
and other body fluids to diluteand other body fluids to dilute
alcohol consumed.alcohol consumed.
0.04 0.08
220 lbs
110 lbs
****Their BAC level will be lowerTheir BAC level will be lower
than the BAC of a smallerthan the BAC of a smaller
person who drank the sameperson who drank the same
volume of alcohol.volume of alcohol.
GenderGender Women process alcohol at a
slower rate than men. This is
because they usually weigh less
and produce less of the enzyme
dehydrogenase needed by the liver
to break down alcohol.
**Men also have a higher percentage of bodyMen also have a higher percentage of body
fluids which dilutes the alcohol.fluids which dilutes the alcohol.

10. Time Spent DrinkingTime Spent Drinking
On average, a person’s BAC isOn average, a person’s BAC is oxidizedoxidized at aat a
rate ofrate of 0.015 per hour0.015 per hour
90% of the alcohol detoxified
is oxidized (burned up) by the
liver
10% is eliminated in breath,
urine, and sweat
NOTE: Alcohol is toxic to the liver and brain. Hence, the term intoxication
denotes the toxic effect alcohol has on these organs.
FoodFood
•Food in your stomach does very little to
reduce the effect alcohol has on the brain
and liver.
•However, food coats the lining of the stomach and
slows (some) absorption into the blood stream.
Note: When alcohol is mixed with carbonated beverages the
absorption rate is faster because gases are absorbed faster
than liquids.

11. Elimination RateElimination Rate
MythMyth
The average person can tolerate one drink perThe average person can tolerate one drink per
hour without substantial impairment.hour without substantial impairment.
Facts
•Sobriety returns ONLY withSobriety returns ONLY with time.time.
•Alcohol is eliminated at approximately .015 BACAlcohol is eliminated at approximately .015 BAC
per hour.per hour.
Titanic PrincipleTitanic Principle
If you take in more than your system can pumpIf you take in more than your system can pump
out, sooner or later you’ll sink!out, sooner or later you’ll sink!

12. Elimination of AlcoholElimination of Alcohol
ELIMINATION PROCESSELIMINATION PROCESS
An adult male with normal liver function eliminates
Breath
Urine
Sweat}10% LIVER 90%
about 0.015 BAC per hour.
Therefore: BAC of 0.05 = 3.5 hours for removal
BAC of 0.07 = 5.0 hours for removal
BAC of 0.10 = 7.0 hours for removal
BAC of 0.15 = 10.0 hours for removal

13. 0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1
HRS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Elimination RateElimination Rate
Stops Drinking at 12:30amStops Drinking at 12:30am
.16 = BAC Peak at 1 am.16 = BAC Peak at 1 am Still legally INTOXICATEDStill legally INTOXICATED
(.08) at 6 am(.08) at 6 am
StillStill IMPAIREDIMPAIRED (.05) at(.05) at
9:30AM9:30AM
ABSORPTIONABSORPTION ELIMINATIONELIMINATION
BACBAC

14. Tolerance
• Consume more of a drug to reach a given
effect. Or body to eliminate the drug
faster.
– Many drinkers develop an ability to mask theMany drinkers develop an ability to mask the
effects alcohol has on their brain and body.effects alcohol has on their brain and body.
– This ability, however, has NO affect on theirThis ability, however, has NO affect on their
intoxication level.intoxication level.

15. Mood & Alcohol
One of two things:
• Existing mood intensifies (upset to angry)
• Completely alters mood (happy to mad)

16. Alcohol affects the heart:
• Reduces
contractibility
• Increased blood
pressure
• Congestive heart
failure

17. Alcohol affects the stomach
• Irritates the lining of the stomach
• Increases acidity
• Causes ulcers

18. Alcohol affects the Brain:
• Kills brain cells
• Causes memory loss

19. Attention
• Reduced ability to comprehend several
sources of info at the same time (multi-
task)
• Significant for driving, especially at night

20. Memory
• Reduced ability to
store and retain info
with BAC’s as low as .
03.
• Excessive use causes
Blackouts

21. Emotions
• Emotional control is diminished
• Honesty
• Crying
• Loving (I love you, man!)

22. Aggression
• Aggressive behavior
is enhanced.
Especially when
combined with
competition
• Deadly when
combined with road
rage.
• I bet you cant…

23. Alcohol & Other Drugs
• Synergistic effect
• Chemical reaction that produces much greater
effect than one drug alone.
• Can even cause death

24. BAC Levels Affect the BrainBAC Levels Affect the Brain
.01 - .05
Reduces Inhibitions
Impairs Judgment
Gives a False Sense of Confidence
Weakens Willpower
.05 - .10
Slows Reaction Time
Reduces Coordination and Balance
Affects All Driving Skills
.10 - .20
Slurred Speech
Blurred Vision
Impaired Judgment, Memory and Self-
Control
.20 - .35
Physical Abilities Become
Severely Impaired
Mental Confusion
Unconsciousness,
Blackouts or Stupor are
Common
.35 - higher
Subnormal Temperature
Little or No Reflexes
Breathing May Stop
DEATH
•NOTE: “Chugging” large
amounts of alcohol in a short
period of time can result in
respiratory paralysis and death.

25. How does alcohol affect vision?
• Eye Focus – Delayed ability to change focus
close to far, the faster the worse.
• Double Vision – impairs ability of eyes to work
together. Closing eye would help, but no
peripheral vision.
• Distance – Can’t do it accurately.
• Side Vision – As alcohol increases, side vision
decreases.
• Night Vision – Eyes dilate. Can’t control amount
of light entering the eyes—intensifies glare.

26. BAC’s
 BAC form .015-.049
produce risk taking
 .03 diminish multi-
tasking
 16-19 .015 is 2.5
times more likely to
be killed
 16-19 .08 40 times
more likely to be killed

27. Drugs and DrivingDrugs and Driving
 PerceptionPerception
 JudgmentJudgment
 CoordinationCoordination
 VisionVision
 MoodMood

28. Marijuana and DrivingMarijuana and Driving

29. MarijuanaMarijuana
The active ingredient THC (delta-9-
tetrahydrocannabinol) impairs
memory and learning
perception (sight, sound, time,
touch)
problem-solving ability
motor coordination
tracking ability
concentration

30. Other Types of Drugs and DrivingOther Types of Drugs and Driving
Over the CounterOver the Counter Medications That AffectMedications That Affect
Driving AbilityDriving Ability
• TranquilizersTranquilizers
• StimulantsStimulants
• NarcoticsNarcotics
• Blood PressureBlood Pressure
• InsulinInsulin
PrescriptionPrescription MedicationsMedications
•Antihistamines
•Cold Medications

31. DUI forDUI for::
Alcohol
Illegal drugs
Prescription
medication
OTC medications

32. DUIDUI
• Criminal offense
(Jail), not traffic
At arrest you will:
• Lose license for
one week (7 days)
• Spend the night in
jail
• Post bail

33. Fatigue:Fatigue:
 The Body’s “Downtime”
 Follows a Period of:
• Extended mental activity
• Extended physical activity
 Characterized by:
• Reduced capacity for work
• Reduced efficiency of brain
function
Definition of FatigueDefinition of Fatigue

34. Examples of FatigueExamples of Fatigue
• Not enough sleep—
several days.
• Burnt out
• SAT/ACT test
• AP tests.

35. Circadian RhythmCircadian Rhythm
• Body’s natural “down time”
• 1-5 PM
• Normal bedtime—Night time

36. Delaying Fatigue OnsetDelaying Fatigue Onset
 AvoidAvoid Long DrivesLong Drives
 AvoidAvoid Leaning Forward or BackwardLeaning Forward or Backward
 Keep Your Eyes MovingKeep Your Eyes Moving
 Get Plenty of Fresh AirGet Plenty of Fresh Air

37. Three Types of Aggressive DriversThree Types of Aggressive Drivers
• complainingcomplaining
• rushingrushing
• competingcompeting
• resistingresisting
• yellingyelling
• cussingcussing
• staringstaring
• honkinghonking
• insultinginsulting
• cutting offcutting off
• blockingblocking
• chasingchasing
• fightingfighting
• shootingshooting
Quiet Road-Rage:Quiet Road-Rage: Verbal Road-Rage:Verbal Road-Rage: Epic Road-Rage:Epic Road-Rage:
AAAAAGHH!!!AAAAAGHH!!!
YOU’RE TOOYOU’RE TOO
SLOW~SLOW~ MOVE!!!MOVE!!!
What’s the hold up!!!What’s the hold up!!!
Come on, HURRY UPCome on, HURRY UP
LET’S GO!!!LET’S GO!!!

38. Aggressive Driving/Road RageAggressive Driving/Road Rage
MostMost CrashesCrashes are NOTare NOT AccidentsAccidents
•They are often the result of drivers whoThey are often the result of drivers who
•speed;speed;
•tailgate;tailgate;
•run red lights;run red lights;
•weave in and out of traffic; orweave in and out of traffic; or
•vent frustrations or emotions in thevent frustrations or emotions in the
vehicle.vehicle.

39. Signs of an Aggressive DriverSigns of an Aggressive Driver
• Tailgating to pressure a driver to go faster or get outTailgating to pressure a driver to go faster or get out
of the wayof the way
• Flashing lights to signal the driver to move out of theFlashing lights to signal the driver to move out of the
wayway
• Weaving in and out of trafficWeaving in and out of traffic
• Cutting people offCutting people off
• Racing to beat a yellow lightRacing to beat a yellow light

40. Signs of an Aggressive DriverSigns of an Aggressive Driver
• Behaving impatiently withBehaving impatiently with
slower driversslower drivers
• Honking the horn or screamingHonking the horn or screaming
• SpeedingSpeeding
• Not coming to a complete stopNot coming to a complete stop
at stop signsat stop signs
• Making gesturesMaking gestures
• Passing on shoulder or unpavedPassing on shoulder or unpaved
areasareas

41. Factors Leading toFactors Leading to Aggressive DrivingAggressive Driving//RoadRoad
RageRage
•More Traffic CongestionMore Traffic Congestion
•More CarsMore Cars
•More FrustrationMore Frustration
•More StressMore Stress
•More HostilityMore Hostility
•More ViolenceMore Violence

42. Did you know?
In the past 30 years in the US:
• population has increased 30%
• number of licensed vehicles has
increased 87%
• vehicle miles traveled increased 130%
• highway capacity has only increased
5%
Factors Leading toFactors Leading to Aggressive DrivingAggressive Driving//RoadRoad
RageRage

43. Preventing Road RagePreventing Road Rage
• Don’t RespondDon’t Respond ---- Stay COOL. Don’t react to otherStay COOL. Don’t react to other
drivers’ aggressive actions.drivers’ aggressive actions.
• Don’t EngageDon’t Engage ---- Stay away from vehicles drivingStay away from vehicles driving
recklessly.recklessly.
• Don’t Up the AnteDon’t Up the Ante ---- Don’t take traffic problemsDon’t take traffic problems
personally.personally.
• Swallow Your PrideSwallow Your Pride ---- Take a courteous and helpfulTake a courteous and helpful
attitude toward other drivers.attitude toward other drivers.
• Choose the Road “LESS Traveled”Choose the Road “LESS Traveled” ---- AvoidAvoid
aggressive drivers by traveling less congested roadways.aggressive drivers by traveling less congested roadways.

44. Useful AttitudesUseful Attitudes
DRIVING IS ADRIVING IS A
COOPERATIVE VENTURE:COOPERATIVE VENTURE:
NOT A COMPETITIVENOT A COMPETITIVE
SPORT!SPORT!

45. Preventing Road RagePreventing Road Rage
How will you respond?How will you respond?