Dangers of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol
This presentation explores the serious risks and consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. We'll examine how these substances impair driving abilities, the legal consequences, and ways to promote responsible decision-making. This Grade 7 MAPEH lesson aims to help students understand self-management skills and practices for road safety, identify driving distractions, and learn essential driving laws in the Philippines.
Learning Objectives
Understand Self-Management and Road Safety
Learn what self-management skills are and how they relate to road safety practices.
Identify Driving Distractions
Recognize the three types of driving distractions that affect driver performance.
Discuss Risk Factors
Identify factors that increase both the risk of road traffic crashes and the risk of death or injury.
Explain Driving Laws
Learn the 6 essential driving laws in the Philippines that every driver and passenger should know.
Content Standards
Understanding First Aid, Road and Water Safety
The learners demonstrate understanding of first aid, road and water safety, and dances in promoting societal wellness for active and healthy living.
Participation in Safety Practices
The learners participate in first aid and injury prevention practices and dances in promoting societal wellness for active and healthy living.
Applying Self-Management Skills
Learning Competency: Apply self-management skills and practices for road and water safety.
Distracted Driving Review
Forms of Distraction
Different forms including texting, calling, eating, adjusting radio, and talking to passengers
1
Impact on Driving
Reduced reaction time, impaired judgment, and increased risk of collisions
2
Statistics & Cases
Alarming data on accident rates caused by inattention and real-life consequences
3
Multitasking Limitations
The human brain cannot efficiently handle both driving and other tasks simultaneously
4
"Dangers of Distracted Driving" provides an in-depth look at one of the leading causes of road accidents today. It effectively discusses the different forms of distractions drivers face, highlighting how these distractions reduce a driver's reaction time, impair judgment, and increase the risk of collisions.
Legal Measures & Public Awareness
Legal Penalties
The review covers the legal measures in place to curb distracted driving, such as penalties for using mobile devices while driving. It stresses the importance of stricter enforcement of these laws.
Awareness Campaigns
The role of awareness campaigns in educating the public about the dangers of divided attention on the road is emphasized as crucial for public safety.
Collective Action
Distracted driving is not just a personal risk but a public safety hazard, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent unnecessary accidents and save lives.
Lesson Purpose
1
Promote Responsible Decision-Making
Encouraging safe practices like designated drivers
2
Foster Social Responsibility
Inspiring awareness to discourage risky behaviors
3
Highlight Legal Consequences
Informing about laws and penalties for DUI
4
Emphasize Impact on Lives
Showcasing real-life cases and statistics
5
Increase Awareness
Understanding impairment of cognitive and motor functions
The purpose of this lesson is to educate on the serious risks and consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. By the end of the lesson, students should recognize that driving under the influence is not just illegal but also a preventable danger that can have life-altering consequences.
Content Vocabulary - Part 1
1
Impairment
The weakening or damage of mental and physical abilities, making it difficult to drive safely.
2
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
A legal offense in which a person operates a vehicle while affected by alcohol or drugs.
3
BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)
The percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream; a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered illegal for driving in most places.
4
Substance Abuse
The misuse of drugs or alcohol that affects a person's health and decision-making abilities.
5
Reaction Time
The speed at which a person responds to a situation; alcohol and drugs slow down reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
Content Vocabulary - Part 2
1
Judgment
The ability to make sensible decisions; impaired judgment can lead to reckless driving and poor choices on the road.
2
Coordination
The ability to move different parts of the body smoothly and effectively; drugs and alcohol can weaken coordination, making driving difficult.
3
Legal Consequences
The penalties and punishments for driving under the influence, such as fines, license suspension, or jail time.
4
Reckless Driving
Operating a vehicle in a dangerous manner, often caused by impaired judgment and slowed reaction time.
5
Sobriety Test
A series of physical and cognitive tests conducted by police officers to determine if a driver is under the influence.
Content Vocabulary - Part 3
1
Field Sobriety Test
On-the-spot tests like walking in a straight line or standing on one leg to assess a driver's impairment.
2
Breathalyzer
A device used to measure a person's blood alcohol concentration through their breath.
3
Designated Driver
A person who stays sober to drive others safely and prevent impaired driving incidents.
4
Peer Pressure
The influence of friends or others that may encourage risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving.
5
Traffic Fatalities
Deaths resulting from vehicle accidents, often caused by impaired or reckless driving.
What is DUI?
Definition
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or even some prescription medications.
Common Misconception
Many drivers assume they can still drive after drinking or taking drugs, but even a small amount can affect their abilities.
How Alcohol and Drugs Affect Driving
Effect
How It Affects Driving
Slowed reaction time
Unable to quickly respond to sudden road hazards, like a pedestrian crossing.
Blurred vision
Difficulty seeing traffic signs, pedestrians, and vehicles clearly.
Poor judgment
Increased risk-taking, such as speeding or ignoring traffic rules.
Loss of coordination
Difficulty steering, braking, and keeping control of the vehicle.
Drowsiness or overconfidence
Can lead to falling asleep at the wheel or reckless driving.
Physical Dangers of DUI
1
Minor Accidents
Fender benders and property damage
2
Vehicle Damage
Severe damage requiring costly repairs
3
Injuries
To the driver, passengers, and innocent pedestrians
4
Fatalities
Many road accidents involving alcohol or drugs result in deaths
Driving under the influence greatly increases the risk of accidents. These accidents can range from minor incidents to severe crashes resulting in permanent injuries or deaths of innocent people.
Legal Consequences of DUI
1
Fines
Heavy financial penalties that increase with repeat offenses
2
License Suspension
Temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges
3
Imprisonment
Jail time, especially for repeat offenders or if accidents caused injuries/deaths
4
Community Service
Mandatory public service hours
5
Rehabilitation
Mandatory participation in substance abuse treatment programs
Most countries have strict laws against DUI, with penalties that can have long-lasting impacts on a person's life, career, and future.
Emotional and Social Impact of DUI
Guilt and Shame
The guilt of causing harm to others can have lasting emotional effects on a person.
1
Family Trauma
Families and friends of victims suffer from loss and trauma.
2
Relationship Damage
DUI incidents damage reputations and relationships.
3
Career Impact
Criminal records from DUI can limit career opportunities and advancement.
4
Community Trust
Loss of standing and trust within one's community.
5
Laws Against DUI
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
Many countries have a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit, and exceeding this limit leads to penalties.
Zero-Tolerance Policies
Some places have a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 18 or under 21.
Enforcement Methods
Police conduct random breathalyzer tests to catch intoxicated drivers.
Local Regulations
Specific local laws regarding DUI vary by location but all aim to reduce impaired driving.
Why Do People Drive Under the Influence?
Overconfidence
They feel confident and believe they are still in control.
Peer Pressure
Influence from friends to drive despite being impaired.
Lack of Alternatives
They don't have another way to get home.
Ignorance
Lack of awareness of the consequences.
Understanding why people make the decision to drive impaired helps us address the root causes and develop effective prevention strategies.
Understanding Impaired Driving: Word Web Activity
Word Brainstorm
Think of words related to "impaired driving" (e.g., alcohol, accidents, legal trouble) and shout out your ideas!
Connecting the Words
Look at the words we've collected. How are they connected? Draw lines between related words.
Defining Impaired Driving
Based on our word web, what do you think "impaired driving" means? Share your thoughts.
This activity helps students build connections between concepts related to impaired driving and construct their own understanding of the topic.
The Risks of Driving Under Influence
1
Accidents
You could cause an accident, injuring yourself or others, or even causing death.
2
Guilt
You'd have to live with the guilt of harming someone or causing an accident.
3
Legal Issues
You might lose your job and face legal consequences like a prison sentence or a criminal record.
4
Financial Impact
You could face hefty fines, lose your driver's license, and have difficulty getting insurance.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly risky. It affects your ability to focus and make good decisions, increasing the chances of accidents. Most countries have strict rules about how much alcohol you can drink before driving, and there's growing awareness of how drugs impact driving too.
Impaired Driving: Alcohol Effects
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Reaction Time Increase (ms)
Accident Risk Multiplier
This chart illustrates how even small amounts of alcohol in the bloodstream significantly increase reaction time and multiply the risk of accidents. At the legal limit in many countries (0.08%), reaction time is already tripled and accident risk is nearly four times higher than when sober.
Staying Safe: Alternatives to Impaired Driving
Use Ridesharing Services
Apps like Grab, Uber, or local taxi services provide safe transportation when you're impaired.
Designated Driver
Plan ahead by choosing someone who will stay sober to drive everyone home safely.
Public Transportation
Buses, trains, and other public transit options offer affordable alternatives to driving.
Call a Friend or Family Member
Don't hesitate to call someone for help if you need a safe ride home.
The message is clear: Don't drive if you've been drinking or using drugs. Understanding how these substances affect your driving and taking steps to stay safe on the road is crucial.
Drug-Impaired Driving Risks
Both prescribed and recreational drugs can impair your driving, leading to erratic behavior, fatigue, and other dangerous effects. If you're on medication, check the side effects and talk to your doctor about driving. With recreational drugs, remember that even cannabis can impair your ability to drive safely.
Activity: Impaired Driving Risk Assessment
Risk
Consequences
Alternative Choices
[Students fill in risks]
[Students fill in consequences]
[Students fill in alternatives]
This activity will initiate a discussion about impaired driving, where driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a key component. It will assist students in defining and understanding what impaired driving entails, based on the related words they have provided. Additionally, teachers may consider designing other engaging activities to further enhance students' comprehension of impaired driving.
The Bottom Line on Impaired Driving
0%
Tolerance
The only safe amount of alcohol or drugs when driving
40%
Preventable
Percentage of fatal crashes that involve impaired driving
100%
Avoidable
All impaired driving accidents are completely preventable
The bottom line: Don't drink and drive. Don't do drugs and drive. Stay safe on the road for yourself and everyone else. Every decision to find an alternative to impaired driving could save lives—possibly your own.
Educational Resources
CDC Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 26). Transportation Safety, Distracted Driving.
NIDA Information
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Simple Advice for Driving Whilst Under the Influence.
Road Traffic Rules
Lumina. (2022, November 19). Road Traffic Rules and Regulations in the Philippines.
Educational Video
Arrive Alive. (2018, July 18). Driver Tiredness, Fatigue and Road Safety.
Visual Warning Signs of Impaired Driving
Weaving Between Lanes
Impaired drivers often have difficulty maintaining their position within a lane.
Driving Too Slowly
Excessive caution due to awareness of impairment often leads to abnormally slow driving.
Wide Turns
Impaired drivers may swing wide or turn abruptly or with a jerky motion.
Driving Without Headlights
Forgetting to turn on headlights at night is a common sign of impaired attention.
Learning to recognize these visual cues can help you identify potentially impaired drivers on the road and keep a safe distance from them.
DUI Impact: Statistics in the Philippines
Alcohol-Related
Drug-Related
Distracted Driving
Speeding
Fatigue
Other Causes
This chart shows the distribution of causes for serious road accidents in the Philippines. Combined, alcohol and drug-related impairment account for 32% of all serious crashes, making them the leading cause of road fatalities when considered together.
Personal Stories: Impact of DUI
The Victim
Maria was walking home from school when she was struck by a driver who had been drinking. She spent months in rehabilitation and still has permanent injuries that affect her daily life.
The Driver
Ramon made one bad decision to drive after drinking at a party. He now serves a five-year sentence and will carry the guilt of injuring Maria for the rest of his life.
The Families
Both families have been forever changed. Maria's parents had to reduce work hours to care for her, while Ramon's family faces financial hardship and social stigma.
The Community
The local community has rallied to improve education about impaired driving and increase transportation alternatives for those who have been drinking.
Prevention Strategies for DUI
1
Education
School-based programs that teach about the dangers of impaired driving before students reach driving age.
2
Community Awareness
Public campaigns highlighting the risks and consequences of driving under the influence.
3
Transportation Alternatives
Developing more accessible and affordable transportation options, especially during evenings and weekends.
4
Enforcement
Consistent application of laws against impaired driving, including sobriety checkpoints and penalties.
5
Support Services
Programs to help individuals with substance abuse problems receive treatment before they drive impaired.
Driving Fatigue and Substance Use
Combined Dangers
When fatigue combines with even small amounts of alcohol or drugs, the impairment effect multiplies dangerously. A tired driver who has consumed just one drink may be as impaired as a well-rested driver who is legally intoxicated.
Warning Signs
Warning signs of driver fatigue include yawning, heavy eyelids, disconnected thoughts, missing exits or traffic signs, drifting from your lane, and feeling restless and irritable. These symptoms worsen significantly when combined with substances.
Prevention
To prevent fatigue-related accidents, ensure adequate sleep before driving, take regular breaks during long trips, avoid driving during normal sleeping hours, and never combine driving when tired with any amount of alcohol or drugs.
Impaired Driving Risk Table Activity
This activity aims to deepen students' understanding of the risks, consequences, and alternative choices related to impaired driving. Students can be graded based on the number of items they list in each category. Additionally, teachers may choose to set a scoring limit for this activity.
When completing the table, consider physical risks, legal risks, social risks, and emotional risks. For consequences, think about immediate and long-term impacts. For alternative choices, list practical options that could prevent impaired driving situations.
Synthesis Activity
Reflection Instructions
In a one sheet of paper write something you understand about the lesson we discussed today.
Key Points to Consider
Think about the definition of impaired driving, the effects of substances on driving ability, the consequences of DUI, and alternative choices to prevent impaired driving.
Format
Your reflection can be in paragraph form, bullet points, or even an illustrated diagram that captures your main takeaways from the lesson.
Personal Connection
Consider including how this information might influence your own future decisions or how you might share this knowledge with friends and family.
Quiz Preparation
Review Key Concepts
Ensure you understand the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving ability, legal consequences of DUI, and appropriate responses to prevent impaired driving.
Focus Areas
The quiz will assess your knowledge of the dangers of DUI, how substances affect driving, consequences of DUI, appropriate responses to friends who are impaired, and the purpose of DUI laws.
Quiz Format
The assessment will consist of multiple-choice questions where you'll need to select the best answer from the options provided.
Application
Some questions will test your ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios involving impaired driving situations.
Quiz Questions: DUI Knowledge Assessment
Question 1
What is the most dangerous effect of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs?�a) It makes driving more exciting�b) It improves focus and reaction time�c) It increases the risk of accidents and injuries�d) It helps drivers stay awake for long trips
1
Question 2
How does alcohol affect a driver's ability to drive safely?�a) It improves coordination and balance�b) It slows reaction time and impairs judgment�c) It makes vision clearer at night�d) It has no effect if taken in small amounts
2
Question 3
Which of the following is NOT a possible consequence of driving under the influence?�a) Heavy fines and imprisonment�b) Loss of driver's license�c) Increased safety and better driving skills�d) Injuries or deaths caused by accidents
3
Quiz Questions: DUI Response and Laws
Question 4
What should you do if you see a friend attempting to drive while intoxicated?�a) Encourage them to drive slowly and carefully�b) Take away their car keys and help them find a safe way home�c) Ignore them since it is their personal decision�d) Let them drive but follow closely behind
1
Question 5
Why do laws against driving under the influence exist?�a) To increase the price of alcohol�b) To reduce the number of accidents and protect public safety�c) To encourage people to drink responsibly�d) To make police officers' jobs easier
2
Answer Key
1. C�2. B�3. C�4. B�5. B
3
Concluding Thoughts: Stay Safe on the Road
1
Save Lives
Your responsible choices protect everyone
2
Be a Positive Influence
Encourage others to make safe decisions
3
Plan Ahead
Always arrange transportation before drinking
4
Know the Risks
Understand how substances impair driving
5
Make Smart Choices
Never drive under the influence
Remember that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not just a personal risk—it endangers everyone on the road. The knowledge you've gained from this lesson empowers you to make responsible decisions and potentially save lives. Every time you choose not to drive impaired or help prevent someone else from doing so, you're contributing to safer roads and communities.