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Many over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs have side effects that increase the risk of riding. It is difficult to accurately measure the
involvement of particular drugs in motorcycle crashes. But we do know what effects various drugs have on the process involved in riding a
motorcycle. We also know that the combined effects of alcohol and other drugs are more dangerous than either is alone.
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY
Alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly. Unlike most foods and beverages, it does not need to be digested. Within minutes after being consumed,
it reaches the brain and begins to affect the drinker. The major effect alcohol has is to slow down and impair bodily functions — both mental and
physical. Whatever you do, you do less well after consuming alcohol.
BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC is the amount of alcohol in relation to
blood in the body. Generally, alcohol can be eliminated in the body at the
rate of almost one drink per hour. But a variety of other factors may also
influence the level of alcohol retained. The more alcohol in your blood, the
greater the degree of impairment.
Three factors play a major part in determining BAC:
•
The amount of alcohol you consume.
How fast you drink.
•
Your body weight.
•
Other factors also contribute to the way alcohol affects your system. Your
sex, physical condition and food intake are just a few that may cause your
BAC level to be even higher. But the full effects of these are not complete-
ly known. Alcohol may still accumulate in your body even if you are
drinking at a rate of one drink per hour. Abilities and judgment can be
affected by that one drink.
A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed drink with one shot of liquor and a 5-ounce glass of wine all contain the same amount of alcohol.
The faster you drink, the more alcohol accumulates in your body. If you drink two drinks in an hour, at the end of that hour, at least one drink will
remain in your bloodstream.
Without taking into account any of the other factors, the formula below illustrates the LEAST amount of drinks remaining in the bloodstream:
A person drinking:
•
8 drinks in 4 hours would have at least 4 drinks remaining in their system.
•
7 drinks in 3 hours would have at least 4 drinks remaining in their system.
There are times when a larger person may not accumulate as high a concentration of alcohol for each drink consumed. They have more blood and
other bodily fluids. But because of individual differences it is better not to take the chance that abilities and judgment have not been affected.
Whether or not you are legally intoxicated is not the real issue. Impairment of judgment and skills begins well below the legal limit.
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW
In most states, a person with a BAC of .10% or above is considered intoxicated; in others the legal limit is .08% or .05%. It doesn't matter how
sober you may look or act. The breath or urine test is what usually determines whether you are riding legally or illegally.
Your chances of being stopped for riding under the influence of alcohol are increasing. Law enforcement is being stepped up across the country
in response to the senseless deaths and injuries caused by drinking drivers and riders.
CONSEQUENCES OF CONVICTION
Years ago, first offenders had a good chance of getting off with a small fine and participation in alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws of most
states impose stiff penalties on drinking operators. And those penalties are mandatory, meaning that judges must impose them.
If you are convicted of riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may receive any of the following penalties:
•
License Suspension — Mandatory suspension for conviction, arrest or refusal to submit to a breath test.
Fines — Severe fines are another aspect of a conviction, usually levied with a license suspension.
•
Community Service — Performing tasks such as picking up litter along the highway, washing cars in the motor-vehicle pool or
•
working at an emergency ward.
Costs — Additional lawyer's fees to pay, lost work time spent in court or alcohol-education programs, public transportation costs
•
(while your license is suspended) and the added psychological costs of being tagged a "drunk driver."
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
Your ability to judge how well you are riding is affected first. Although you may be performing more and more poorly, you think you are doing
better and better. The result is that you ride confidently, taking greater and greater risks. Minimize the risks of drinking and riding by taking steps
before you drink. Control your drinking or control your riding.
DON'T DRINK
Don't Drink — Once you start, your resistance becomes weaker.
Setting a limit or pacing yourself are poor alternatives at best. Your ability to exercise good judgment is one of the first things affected by
alcohol. Even if you have tried to drink in moderation, you may not realize to what extent your skills have suffered from alcohol's fatiguing effects.
ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
Total
# hours
drinks
since last
LESS
EQUALS
consumed
drink
-
=
23
drinks
left
in body
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