Alcohol, Drugs, and Safe Driving Flashcards

What effect does tiredness have on driving?

Answer: It slows reaction time and can cause microsleeps at the wheel

Fatigue significantly impairs driving — reaction time slows, concentration lapses, and microsleeps (brief involuntary sleep episodes lasting 4-5 seconds) can occur without warning.

What should you do if you feel drowsy while driving on a motorway?

Answer: Exit at the nearest junction, park safely, and take a break or short nap

If drowsy while driving, the only safe option is to stop driving. Exit the motorway, park in a safe area, and take a short sleep. Radio and open windows are temporary distractions that do not prevent microsleeps.

What does 'drug driving' mean under Irish law?

Answer: Driving while impaired by any drug, including legal medications

Drug driving in Irish law means driving while impaired by any drug — including prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, and illegal substances. The test is impairment, not just the presence of the substance.

What roadside test can Gardaí use to check for drug impairment?

Answer: Preliminary impairment test (PIT) including a drug-detection oral fluid test

Gardaí can conduct a Preliminary Impairment Test (PIT), which may include observation of physical signs and an oral fluid drug test. A positive result leads to further testing at a Garda station.

How many drinks does it take to exceed Ireland's 50 mg BAC limit?

Answer: It varies by individual — body weight, gender, food intake, and metabolism all affect BAC

There is no guaranteed 'safe' number of drinks because BAC is affected by body weight, gender, food consumed, metabolism, and the type and strength of alcohol. The only truly safe approach is to not drink at all before driving.

What is the safest approach to alcohol if you plan to drive?

Answer: Do not drink any alcohol before driving

The only guaranteed way to stay below the legal limit and drive safely is to consume no alcohol at all before driving. No eating, drinking water, or pacing strategy can reliably keep your BAC safe.