DMV VA Driver's Ed Standard #6

binge drinking

the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol at one sitting

breathalyzer

device used to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) from a breath sample

BAC (blood alcohol concentration)

chemical analysis of blood - precent

content

amount of alcohol consumed

Concentration

percentage of alcohol related to the total amount of blood in the body

factors that affect BAC level

gender; body weight; size of drink; food; time spent drinking

elimination of alcohol

breath; sweat; oxidation (liver)

ignition interlock device (IID)

a breathalyzer connected to the starter of the car

eye focus

The eyes ability to change focus rapidly from close to far is a key element in the vision process for searching and evaluating.

eye muscles relaxed

due to alcohol and/or drug use the driver experiences difficulty focusing on objects

double vision

two eyes may not be directed towards the same focal point

distance judgement

how far objects are from the path of travel

night vision (alcohol effects)

reduces the control of light entering the eye

visual distractions

taking your eyes off the road

manual distractions

taking your hands off the wheel

cognitive distractions

taking your mind off what you're doing (includes auditory)

divided attention

compromises your cognitive, manual and/or visual abilities

inattention blindness

failing to see visible objects when our attention is directed elsewhere

fatigue warning signs

heavy eyelids; yawing repeatedly; rubbing eyes; daydreaming; trouble remembering; drifting

impaired memory

Inability to remember or recall bits of information or behavior skills

rumble strips

are short sections of grooved or corrugated roadway

aggressive driving

occurs when a driver operates a vehicle in a pushy or bold manner, without regard for others safety

road rage

a driver uses the vehicle or some other weapon to threaten or cause harm to another roadway user in response to traffic incident

Verbal aggression

yelling; cussing; gesturing; honking; insulting

Quiet aggression

complaining; rushing; competing; resisting by not letting others in

epic aggression

cutting off; blocking; chasing; physically fighting; shooting (road rage)