Quiz: The Dangers of Driving Impaired

It’s the most festive time of the year! As friends and families gather for holiday celebrations, keep in mind the dangers of driving impaired. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 4,400 people killed in drunk driving related crashes during the 2016-2020 December months. 

While you may have heard about the risks of driving impaired, there might be something for you to learn. Test your knowledge on impaired driving. 

1. On average, the body metabolizes alcohol at a rate of how many drinks per hour?
   1. One or less
   2. Two
   3. Three
   4. Four
2. What does the acronym BAC stand for?
   1. Blood Alcohol Content
   2. Blood Alcohol Checker
   3. Blood Alcohol Concentration
   4. Blood Alcohol Criteria
3. What is the likelihood that a fatal crash involves alcohol?
   1. 1 in 3
   2. 1 in 5
   3. 1 in 10
   4. 1 in 25
4. What is the legal limit for driving under the influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania?
   1. .02
   2. .05
   3. .08
   4. .10
5. Buzzed driving is not drunk driving.
   1. True
   2. False
6. What is the average number of deaths from alcohol-impaired driving crashes each year.
   1. Less than 2,000
   2. 5,000
   3. 7,500
   4. More than 10,000
7. What can impair your driving skills?
   1. Alcohol
   2. Prescription Medication
   3. Marijuana and Illicit Drugs
   4. Distractions (such as cell phones)
   5. A and C
   6. All of the Above
8. Drinking water or coffee can help sober you up. 
   1. True
   2. False

Driving after drinking is deadly, yet many Americans continue to the behavior. Keep your holidays – and all year long – safe: do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or using any other impairing substance. Plan a sober ride home before you start the party. And remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Answers: 

1. A – Your body metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate, approximately one drink per hour. This can vary based on the alcohol drink(s) consumed, your health, and genetic disposition. 

2. C – Many people mistake the “C” for Content, but BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration, which measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood. 

3. A – About 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. 

4. C – In Pennsylvania, a BAC of .08 has been the legal limit of alcohol since 2003 when Act 24 was signed into law.

5. False – Even with a .02 BAC, drivers can experience a decline in visual functions, and a debility to perform two tasks at the same time. 

6. D – In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol impaired driving deaths – a 14% increase from 2019 – according to the NHTSA.

7. F – There are many ways that can impair your driving skills. While drinking is the leading cause of traffic fatalities while driving impaired, other substances or activities can affect your safety.

8. False – Drinking water in between drinks might prevent you from drinking too fast, however, time is the only way to help you sober up. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Africa Studio | Shutterstock