Alcohol, Drugs, and Safe Driving Flashcards

What affect can energy drinks combined with alcohol have on driving?

Answer: They mask tiredness but do not reduce actual impairment from alcohol

Caffeine in energy drinks can mask the sedative effect of alcohol, making a driver feel more alert than they are. The actual degree of alcohol impairment remains unchanged — it is a false sense of sobriety.

If you are prescribed medication that may impair driving, what must you do?

Answer: Consult your doctor or pharmacist and read the patient information leaflet — avoid driving if advised

If medication may impair driving, you must seek professional advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet for driving warnings. Driving while impaired by medication is an offence.

What does the 'morning after' rule for drink driving in Ireland mean for drivers?

Answer: You should check whether you have fully metabolised alcohol before driving the next day — do not assume you are under the limit

Many drivers are still over the legal limit the morning after heavy drinking. Sleep does not speed up alcohol metabolism. The safe rule is to not drive if you have any doubt about your BAC.

Which of these is a common effect of alcohol that increases collision risk?

Answer: Tunnel vision — reduced peripheral vision

Alcohol reduces peripheral vision, creating a form of tunnel vision. This means a driver may miss hazards that appear at the edges of their visual field — significantly increasing collision risk.

What is the safest way to designate a driver when going out with a group?

Answer: Nominate one person before going out who agrees to drink no alcohol for the evening

The designated driver must commit to drinking no alcohol before the outing begins. Choosing mid-evening, rotating, or picking the 'least drunk' person all risk driving above the limit.

What is the impact of sleep deprivation on driving performance?

Answer: Performance is similar to having a BAC of 0.05% — reaction time, awareness, and decision-making are all impaired

Research shows that being awake for 17-18 hours produces driving impairment equivalent to a BAC of 0.05%. After 24 hours, impairment equals 0.10% BAC. Sleep deprivation is as dangerous as drink driving.