Chapter 9: Handling Negative Influences on Driving

Driver Health and Substance Use

Driver Health

Driving requires good physical and mental health. Certain health conditions can affect a person’s ability to drive safely, including vision impairments, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Regular health check-ups can help ensure that you are fit to drive.

Alcohol and Driving

Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It affects judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in British Columbia and can lead to serious consequences, including accidents, injuries, and legal penalties.

Symptoms and Effects on the Driving

• Tendency to stare: The driver stares at one spot and can't quickly take in information from the surroundings, making it hard to notice changes on the road and react in time.
• Eyes lose reflex abilities: The driver's eyes adjust slowly to changes in light, like headlights or bright reflections, causing temporary blindness and making driving dangerous.
• Reduced coordination of images: The driver sees double because their eyes can't properly align images, making it difficult to see the road and other vehicles clearly.
• Reduced depth perception: The driver can't accurately judge distances and the speed of other vehicles, making it hard to know when to change lanes, merge, or stop safely.
• Reduced peripheral vision: The driver’s field of vision narrows, so they may not see hazards coming from the sides, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Unclear reasoning: The driver’s thinking becomes confused, making it hard to make good decisions while driving.
• Reduced concentration: The driver finds it hard to stay focused on the road and what’s happening around them.
• Unstable emotional state: The driver’s emotions become unpredictable, which can lead to erratic driving behavior.
• False sense of sharpness: The driver feels like they are thinking clearly, but they actually can't make safe driving decisions.
• Reduced muscular control: The driver has trouble coordinating their movements, making it difficult to steer and brake properly.
• Increased impulsiveness: The driver becomes more likely to take risks, such as speeding or making unsafe maneuvers.
• Poor coordination: The driver may oversteer, brake too late, or not brake at all, leading to dangerous situations.
• Slowed reaction time: The driver has trouble making accurate turns and can't quickly respond to emergencies, increasing the risk of accidents.

Drug Use and Driving

Illegal drugs, as well as certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, can impair driving ability. Similar to alcohol, these substances can affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times.

Medications and Driving

Some medications can impair driving by causing drowsiness, slowing reaction time, or affecting cognitive functions. It’s important to read medication labels and consult with healthcare professionals about potential side effects.

Driving Under Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in British Columbia. It puts the driver, passengers, and others on the road at risk. Penalties can include fines, license suspension, and even jail time. The Responsible Driver Program is also in place for drivers prohibited because of alcohol or drugs.

Remember, the safest strategy is to avoid driving if you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs, or if you’re taking medication that impairs your ability to drive. Always prioritize safety on the road.

Handling negative peer pressure

• Recognize Negative Peer Pressure: Identify situations where peers may encourage unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, or ignoring traffic laws.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain your composure and confidence in your driving decisions. Trust your judgment and driving skills to make the safest choices.
• Communicate Clearly and Firmly: Use clear and assertive communication to express your stance on safe driving. Politely but firmly say no to any suggestions that compromise safety.
• Establish and Enforce Rules: Set clear rules for behavior in your vehicle, such as no distractions, no alcohol, and wearing seatbelts at all times. Ensure your passengers are aware of and respect these rules.
• Avoid High-Pressure Situations: Anticipate scenarios where you might face negative peer pressure and plan to avoid them. Choose to drive with passengers who respect your commitment to safe driving.
• Use Positive Peer Influence: Surround yourself with friends who encourage and practice safe driving. Encourage a culture of safety and responsibility among your peers.

Rules for Using Hand-Held Devices

• No Hand-Held Devices: It is illegal for drivers to use hand-held electronic devices while driving. This includes smartphones, tablets, and any other devices that can be used for communication or computing.
• No Texting or Emailing: Drivers are prohibited from sending, reading, or typing text messages or emails while driving.
• Hands-Free Devices: Drivers are allowed to use hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth or wired headsets, provided they can be operated with one touch or voice commands. The device must be set up before driving to avoid distraction.
• GPS Usage: Drivers can use GPS devices, but they must be securely mounted to the vehicle. The destination should be programmed before starting the journey, and the driver should not adjust the device while driving.
• Stricter Rules for New Drivers: Learner (L) and Novice (N) drivers under the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) are not allowed to use any electronic devices, including hands-free devices, while driving.
• Penalties for Violations:
  • Fines: The fine for using an electronic device while driving is $368.
  • Penalty Points: Drivers will receive four penalty points on their driving record for this offense. Accumulating points can lead to further penalties, such as additional fines and increased insurance premiums.

Passenger and Driver Safety Strategies

• As a good passenger, stay calm and avoid emotional conversations that might distract the driver. Encourage safe driving and always prioritize safety.
• To keep passengers safe, make sure everyone is wearing seatbelts before starting the trip. Provide clear guidelines for children before the journey begins and give them activities to keep them occupied during long drives. Inform passengers that you need to focus on driving to ensure their safety. Additionally, secure animals in cages to prevent distractions and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.
• Respond to aggressive drivers with good manners by giving them plenty of space and the right-of-way. Avoid reacting to their aggression by not making eye contact, keeping your distance from aggressive drivers, and refraining from making gestures.
• If you feel threatened, drive to a police station or a busy area for help. Have someone else call the police while you drive. Keep your doors locked and windows closed. If someone tries to enter your car, sound the horn or attract attention. Avoid driving home to prevent leading the threat there.
• To prevent aggression while driving, keep a safe distance, yield the right-of-way, signal your intentions, allow merging traffic, and follow road rules. Use low beam headlights in lit areas, avoid blocking lanes, use one parking spot, use the horn only when necessary, park in disabled spots only if permitted, and don't yell at other drivers.