Getting My Drivers License: Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving is the most dangerous combination on the roads. When you drink, your vision, judgment and reaction time are seriously impaired. Your behavior behind the wheel when you have been drinking cannot be trusted. Drinking and driving is NEVER safe!!

Anyone under the age of 21 must obey the 0.02% law. This law makes it illegal for persons under 21 years old to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle when they have consumed enough alcohol to be at or above the 0.02% BAC level or they have consumed any controlled drug or substance. Violations of this law can result in license suspension, fines, and even jail time.

Driving impaired can cause serious, and even fatal crashes. Too many people are killed every year by drinking drivers. Crashes caused by drinking drivers happen so fast that the driver may not realize it until it is too late. Drinking drivers who cause such crashes can be sent to jail for many years.

Fortunately, drunk driving crashes can be prevented.

First, don't drink and drive! This is the simplest step to take. Designate a sober driver before anyone starts drinking.

Don't let a friend drive impaired. Take away their keys or do what ever is necessary to keep him/her from getting behind the wheel. Don't let anyone try to convince you that they "will be fine," or that "it's only a couple of miles to home." crashes can happen within seconds of a drunk driver getting out on the road. You will not only be saving their life, but the lives of anyone else who is out driving as well. Even if your friend gets mad at you for getting in his/her way, remember that an angry friend is better than a dead friend.

Be an alert driver. Watch out for other cars on the road that are driving erratically. Don't drive too close to other cars in case the driver swerves suddenly. If you see someone driving who is a real danger to other cars, call the police and tell them. It's better to catch an impaired driver before anything happens.

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