Alcohol, Drugs & Impaired Driving Flashcards

A driver with a BAC of 0.08% is stopped by police. Under implied consent law, what happens if the driver refuses a breathalyzer test?

Answer: The driver's license is automatically suspended and refusal may be used as evidence

Refusing a chemical test under implied consent typically results in automatic license suspension and the refusal itself can be presented as evidence of guilt in court.

Which of the following is a standard field sobriety test (FST) recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)?

Answer: The one-leg stand test

NHTSA has standardized three FSTs: the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the Walk-and-Turn, and the One-Leg Stand test.

How long does it generally take the liver to metabolize one standard drink (0.6 oz of pure alcohol)?

Answer: About one hour

The liver metabolizes approximately one standard drink per hour, meaning BAC rises faster than it falls when multiple drinks are consumed quickly.

Which of the following prescription medications is most likely to impair driving ability?

Answer: Antihistamines that cause drowsiness

Sedating antihistamines can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and impaired coordination, making them particularly dangerous when driving.

What does the term 'aggravated DUI' typically refer to?

Answer: A DUI involving a BAC significantly above the legal limit, a minor passenger, or prior convictions

Aggravated DUI involves enhanced circumstances such as an extremely high BAC (e.g., 0.16% or more), having a child passenger, causing injury, or having prior DUI convictions.

Which effect of marijuana use is most directly relevant to driving safety?

Answer: Impaired lane tracking and slower reaction time

Marijuana impairs the brain regions responsible for motor coordination, lane tracking, and reaction time, all of which are essential for safe driving.

In most U.S. states, a second DUI conviction within a specified period results in:

Answer: Enhanced penalties including longer license suspension and possible jail time

Repeat DUI offenses carry escalating penalties including longer license suspensions, mandatory ignition interlock devices, higher fines, and possible imprisonment.