Chapter 7 VOCAB drivers ed

Implied consent law

Anyone who operates a motor vehicle automatically consents to be tested for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or other drugs if stopped for suspicion of driving while impaired. Refusing a test can lead to license suspension.

Zero tolerance law

Makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system.

Illegal per se laws

State laws that make it a criminal offense to operate a vehicle with a BAC at or above a specified level, which is typically 0.08% for drivers over 21.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

An offense charged when a driver's BAC is at or above the legal limit (e.g., 0.08% in most states) or when they are visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)

An offense charged when a driver's BAC is at or above the legal limit (e.g., 0.08% in most states) or when they are visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Dram shop law

State laws that can hold a person or establishment liable for damages if they serve alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated or underage individual who then causes harm.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

The amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. It is determined by chemical tests.

Field sobriety test

A series of on-the-spot, roadside tests that police officers use to detect driver impairment.

Nystagmus

A field sobriety test that checks for the involuntary jerking of the eyes, which increases with higher BAC levels.

Intoxilyzer

A machine that measures BAC by analyzing a person's breath.

Chemical testing

The analysis of blood, urine, or breath to determine a person's level of impairment.

Depressant

A drug, like alcohol, that slows down the central nervous system. It impairs judgment, reasoning, and coordination.

Stimulant

A drug that speeds up the central nervous system, creating a false sense of alertness.

Hallucinogen

A mind-altering drug that can distort a person's sense of direction, distance, and time.

Synergistic effect

The multiplying effect that occurs when alcohol is combined with other drugs.

Euphoria

A false sense of well-being that can be induced by alcohol or drugs.

Inhibitions

The inner forces of personality that normally restrain a person's impulsive behaviors. Alcohol weakens these inhibitions.

Alcoholism

An addiction to alcohol.

Designated driver

A person who chooses not to drink in order to remain sober and safely drive others home.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine

Drugs that can be obtained legally without a doctor's prescription.

Prescription medicine

Drugs that can only be purchased with a doctor's order.

Peer pressure

The external force from others of a similar age to influence a person to think or behave in a certain way.

Peer influence

The internal desire to be accepted by one's peer group, which can impact decision-making.

Peer refusal skills

Techniques for resisting negative peer pressure, such as using humor, walking away, or simply saying no.

Peer education

A process in which young people help other young people make responsible decisions.