Teenage Drinking and Impaired Driving

Flashcards about factors influencing teenage drinking and consequences of impaired driving.

What type of decisions are teenagers more likely to make?

Impulsive, emotional decisions.

Name a common reason why young people might drink alcohol.

Peer pressure.

What is one perspective some parents have about serving alcohol at home and what does research suggest?

Some believe it teaches responsibility, but research indicates otherwise; families who refuse to serve alcohol are less likely to have children who drink.

What do some young people believe drinking helps them do?

Fit in or gain confidence in social situations.

Define impaired driving.

A decrease in a person's judgement and/or physical ability while driving.

What are the laws against impaired driving related to?

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Describe an impaired person.

One who is functioning poorly or inadequately.

Describe a sober person.

One whose physical and mental faculties are not affected by alcohol, drugs, or anything else.

List some erratic behaviors displayed by an impaired driver.

Drifting, swerving, turning with a wide radius, stopping beyond a limit line, signaling inconsistently.

What should you do if you spot an impaired driver?

Stay away and call the police.

Besides injuries or fatalities, what are some consequences of impaired driving?

Being arrested, jail time, fines, and losing your driving privilege.

What is a major cause of impairment?

Alcohol consumption.

What kind of drug is alcohol and how does it affect the brain?

A depressant that decreases brain activity, leading to impairment.

How does alcohol affect motor skills?

Reduces reaction time and decreases the accuracy of physical responses.