Alcohol, Drugs, and Safe Driving Flashcards

What is the limit for breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) in Ireland for standard drivers?

Answer: 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath

The legal BrAC limit for standard drivers in Ireland is 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath, which corresponds to the 50 mg blood alcohol limit. Evidential breath tests are taken at a Garda station.

How long does it typically take for one standard drink to be processed by the body?

Answer: Approximately 1 hour

The liver processes approximately one standard drink (10g of alcohol) per hour. Food, water, and coffee do not speed this process — only time reduces blood alcohol levels.

If a driver tests positive at a mandatory alcohol checkpoint in Ireland, what happens next?

Answer: The driver is taken to a Garda station for an evidential breath or blood test

A positive preliminary breathalyser at a checkpoint results in the driver being brought to a Garda station for an evidential breath test (or blood test if breath is unavailable or disputed).

What is the 'impaired through drugs' offence in Ireland?

Answer: Driving a vehicle while impaired by any drug, proven by a doctor's assessment

The offence of 'impaired through drugs' requires a doctor to assess the driver and certify that they are impaired to an extent that renders them incapable of having proper control of a vehicle.

What effect does alcohol have on the time it takes to react to a hazard?

Answer: It increases reaction time — responses become slower

Alcohol slows reaction time. Even small amounts delay the time between perceiving a hazard and responding to it. At 50 km/h, an extra 0.3 seconds of reaction time means 4 more metres of travel before braking.

What is the legal position on driving after taking recreational drugs such as cocaine or MDMA?

Answer: Illegal — driving while impaired by any drug including recreational drugs is an offence

Driving while impaired by recreational drugs is illegal in Ireland regardless of the substance. Cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis are all covered by the impaired driving legislation.