Alcohol, drugs and fatigue
Questions and answers
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What degrades your ability to think clearly and ride safely more than any other factor?
Alcohol and drugs
No other factor does as much harm to clear thinking and safe riding.
Why this information is important · Being in shape to ride ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How much alcohol can have a significant effect on your riding performance?
As little as one drink
Even a single drink can noticeably affect how you ride.
Why this information is important · Being in shape to ride ↗PDF, 8 MB -
About what share of fatally injured motorcycle riders had a BAC above the legal limit of 0.08%?
29%
Studies found that 29% of riders killed in crashes were over the legal limit.
Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation · Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What additional share of fatally injured riders had lower alcohol levels, a BAC of 0.01 to 0.07%?
8%
This shows that only a drink or two in your system is enough to impair riding skills.
Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation · Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When are the judgment and decisions needed for riding first affected by alcohol?
Long before the legal limit is reached
Judgment suffers well before a rider is legally intoxicated.
Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation · Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How do the combined effects of alcohol and drugs compare with either one alone?
They are more dangerous
Many legal and illegal drugs add risk, and mixing them with alcohol is worse.
Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation · Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation ↗PDF, 8 MB -
In crashes involving substance abuse, injuries occur in what share of motorcycle crashes?
90%
Injuries occur in 90% of such motorcycle crashes, compared with 33% of such car crashes.
Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation · Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation ↗PDF, 8 MB -
In crashes involving substance abuse, injuries occur in what share of automobile crashes?
33%
Motorcyclists are far more likely to be killed or badly hurt than car drivers.
Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation · Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation ↗PDF, 8 MB -
About how many motorcyclists are killed each year in crashes involving substance abuse?
2,000
About 2,000 are killed and about 50,000 seriously injured each year in this type of crash.
Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation · Alcohol and drugs in Motorcycle Operation ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why does alcohol enter the bloodstream so quickly?
It does not need to be digested
Unlike most food and drink, alcohol reaches the brain within minutes.
Alcohol in the body · Alcohol in the body ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How soon after drinking does alcohol reach the brain?
Within minutes
Alcohol starts to affect the drinker almost right away.
Alcohol in the body · Alcohol in the body ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is the major effect of alcohol on the body?
It slows down and impairs mental and physical functions
Whatever you do, you do less well after drinking.
Alcohol in the body · Alcohol in the body ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What does Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) measure?
The amount of alcohol in relation to blood in the body
The more alcohol in your blood, the greater the impairment.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
At about what rate does the body eliminate alcohol?
Almost one drink per hour
Other factors may also change how much alcohol is retained.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
You have two drinks in one hour. How much remains in your bloodstream at the end of that hour?
At least one drink
The faster you drink, the more alcohol builds up in your body.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
You have seven drinks over three hours. How many drinks remain in your system at the end?
At least four
Seven drinks minus three eliminated leaves at least four, needing at least four more hours before you consider riding.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
You have four drinks over two hours. How much longer must you wait before you consider riding?
At least another two hours
Four drinks minus two eliminated leaves at least two, which take about two more hours to clear.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which three factors play a major part in determining BAC?
How much you drink, how fast you drink, and your body weight
Other factors such as sex, physical condition, and food intake may raise BAC too.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If you drink at a rate of one drink per hour, can alcohol still build up in your body?
Yes, it may still accumulate
Even that one drink can affect your abilities and judgment.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why may a larger person build up a lower alcohol concentration for each drink?
They have more blood and other bodily fluids
Individual differences are large, so do not assume you are unaffected.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Where does impairment of judgment and skills begin?
Well below the legal limit
Whether you are legally intoxicated is not the real issue.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How much wine contains the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce can of beer?
A 5-ounce glass
A can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and one shot of liquor all hold the same alcohol.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How much liquor is in a mixed drink with one shot?
1.5 ounces
One shot of liquor has as much alcohol as a can of beer or a glass of wine.
Alcohol in the body · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
In Texas, at what BAC is a person legally intoxicated?
0.08 percent or more
Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated is against the law.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Texas’ Zero Tolerance for Minors law applies to riders under what age?
21
Riders under 21 may not operate a motorcycle in a public place with any detectable alcohol.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
For a rider under 21 in Texas, how much alcohol in the system is illegal in a public place?
Any detectable amount
Zero tolerance means any detectable amount is an offense for a minor.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What offense does a rider under 21 commit by riding with any detectable alcohol?
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor
It is a criminal offense under the Zero Tolerance for Minors law.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Under the Administrative License Revocation Program, a license may be suspended for up to how long?
Two years
An ALR suspension can last up to two years.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
For a first DWI conviction, a court may suspend a license for up to how long?
Two years
The court suspension for a first conviction can be up to two years.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is the maximum fine for a first DWI conviction in Texas?
$2,000
Fines reach $2,000 for a first conviction and $10,000 for later ones.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is the maximum fine for a later, subsequent DWI conviction in Texas?
$10,000
Repeat offenders face much higher fines than first offenders.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is the range of a jail sentence for a DWI conviction in Texas?
From 72 hours to ten years
Probation may be possible for a first offense.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What reinstatement fee applies for each ALR suspension, court suspension, or failure to complete an education course?
$100 to $125
A separate reinstatement fee is charged for each suspension.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
At what amount do court costs start for a DWI conviction?
$70
Court costs are added on top of fines and other fees.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
After a DWI arrest, what cash bond may you have to post to be released from jail?
$500 or more
You may instead pay a bonding fee for release.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
After a DWI arrest, what may happen to your motorcycle?
It may be towed to impound and you pay to get it out
A wrecker may carry it away, and you pay a towing fee.
Alcohol and the law · Alcohol and the law ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is affected first when you drink?
Your ability to judge how well you are riding
You may ride worse and worse while thinking you ride better, and take greater risks.
Minimize the risks · Minimize the risks ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How does the manual rate setting a limit or pacing your drinking?
As poor alternatives at best
Judgment is one of the first things alcohol affects, so you may not notice your skills slipping.
Minimize the risks · Minimize the risks ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why is not drinking at all the best choice before riding?
Once you start, your resistance becomes weaker
Control your drinking or control your riding.
Minimize the risks · Minimize the risks ↗PDF, 8 MB -
You drank more than your limit. What should you do before riding?
Wait until your system eliminates the alcohol and its fatiguing effects
Or leave the motorcycle and arrange another way to get home.
Minimize the risks · Minimize the risks ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why does the manual suggest leaving your motorcycle behind if you plan to drink?
So you will not be tempted to ride
Arrange another way to get home before you drink.
Minimize the risks · Minimize the risks ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why is it up to others to step in when someone has had too much to drink?
The drinker is unable to make a responsible decision
Stepping in is uncomfortable and thankless, but the alternatives are often worse.
Step in to protect friends · Step in to protect friends ↗PDF, 8 MB -
A friend who has been drinking wants to ride home. Which step does the manual suggest?
Keep them there and take their key if you can
Serve food and coffee, explain the risks, and provide another way home.
Step in to protect friends · Step in to protect friends ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How can a group of friends help stop someone from riding after drinking?
Use peer pressure to intervene
The more people on your side, the harder it is for the rider to resist.
Step in to protect friends · Step in to protect friends ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How does riding a motorcycle compare with driving a car for fatigue?
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring
On a long trip you will tire sooner on a motorcycle, and fatigue affects control.
Fatigue · Fatigue ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which conditions make a rider tire quickly?
Wind, cold, and rain
Dress warmly. A windshield is worth its cost for long distances.
Fatigue · Fatigue ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Experienced riders seldom try to ride more than about how many hours a day?
Six
Limiting your distance helps prevent fatigue.
Fatigue · Fatigue ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How often should you stop and get off the motorcycle on a long ride?
At least every two hours
Frequent rest breaks keep you alert.
Fatigue · Fatigue ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What often happens when artificial stimulants start to wear off?
Extreme fatigue or depression
Riders then cannot concentrate on the task at hand.
Fatigue · Fatigue ↗PDF, 8 MB