Your speed helps determine how much time you have to react safely to a particular
situation. The higher your speed, the less time you have to spot the hazard and react
to it.1.3 Alcohol and Drugs
If you drive after drinking alcohol or taking other drugs you are more likely to be
involved in a crash. Alcohol or drugs by themselves are dangerous but the combined
effect can be deadly. Enforcement of drink and drug driving saves lives. Remember
that every police vehicle can undertake both roadside drug and drink driving tests and
the probability that you will be randomly breath or saliva tested is high. Your driver’s
licence is a valuable privilege. Don’t risk your licence, your life, or the lives of others by
driving after you have consumed alcohol and/or taken any drugs that may affect your
driving.
IT IS now An oFFEnCE To dRIVE oR ATTEmpT To dRIVE whIlE ImpAIREd by
dRUGS.
1.3.1 The effects of alcohol on driving
Alcohol is absorbed quickly into the blood and travels rapidly to all parts of the body. It
affects your brain’s ability to make judgements and process information. It also impairs
your consciousness and vision.
No amount of coffee or soft drink will sober you up – only time can do that.
If you drink alcohol and drive, you will find it difficult to:
n judge the speed of your vehicle;
n judge the distance between your car and other cars;
n notice traffic control signals, pedestrians and other potential hazards;
n concentrate on the task of driving;
n keep your balance, especially on a motorcycle (or on a bicycle, or as a
pedestrian); and
n stay awake when you are driving.
Alcohol also gives you a false sense of confidence. You may take more risks than
you would normally – but remember, alcohol slows down your reaction time to ro