K53 Learners Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for an ordinary driver in South Africa?
- 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres (Correct answer)
- 0.08 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.10 grams per 100 millilitres
Correct answer: 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres
The legal BAC limit for ordinary drivers in South Africa is 0.05g per 100ml of blood.
Question 2: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for a professional driver (e.g. taxi or bus driver) in South Africa?
- 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.08 grams per 100 millilitres
- 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres (Correct answer)
- 0.00 grams per 100 millilitres
Correct answer: 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres
Professional drivers face a stricter limit of 0.02g per 100ml blood because they carry passengers and bear greater responsibility.
Question 3: How does alcohol primarily affect a driver's ability?
- It improves concentration and alertness
- It reduces reaction time and impairs judgement (Correct answer)
- It has no effect if only one drink is consumed
- It only affects driving at high speeds
Correct answer: It reduces reaction time and impairs judgement
Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgement, reduces coordination, and distorts perception, all of which are critical for safe driving.
Question 4: Which of the following is a sign that a driver may be too fatigued to drive safely?
- Increased awareness of surroundings
- Difficulty keeping eyes open and drifting out of lane (Correct answer)
- Quicker reaction times
- Improved peripheral vision
Correct answer: Difficulty keeping eyes open and drifting out of lane
Difficulty keeping eyes open and lane drifting are classic signs of dangerous driver fatigue and a clear indication to stop driving.
Question 5: What should you do if you feel drowsy while driving on a long trip?
- Open a window and continue driving
- Turn up the radio loudly to stay awake
- Stop at a safe place, rest or sleep before continuing (Correct answer)
- Drink an energy drink and speed up to finish the trip faster
Correct answer: Stop at a safe place, rest or sleep before continuing
The only safe response to drowsiness is to stop, rest or sleep; other methods are temporary and do not restore alertness adequately.
Question 6: Can prescription or over-the-counter medication affect your ability to drive safely?
- No, prescribed medication is always safe to take while driving
- Yes, many medications cause drowsiness, dizziness or impaired concentration (Correct answer)
- Only if you take more than the prescribed dose
- Only if combined with alcohol
Correct answer: Yes, many medications cause drowsiness, dizziness or impaired concentration
Many medications — including antihistamines, sedatives and painkillers — can impair driving ability even when taken correctly.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the effect of alcohol on a driver's vision?
- Alcohol sharpens night vision
- Alcohol has no effect on vision
- Alcohol reduces peripheral vision and impairs depth perception (Correct answer)
- Alcohol only affects vision at concentrations above 0.1g/100ml
Correct answer: Alcohol reduces peripheral vision and impairs depth perception
Alcohol reduces peripheral (side) vision and distorts depth perception, making it harder to judge distances and spot hazards.
K53 Learners Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue 1
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for an ordinary driver in South Africa?