How do you know if a driver is impaired?
For teens to make the decision not to get into the car with an impaired driver, they first need to know how to identify an impaired driver. You may have noticed by now that we talk about the dangers of “IMPAIRED” driving, rather than just “drunk” driving. This is because, as cannabis has legalized around the country, instances of drugged driving have skyrocketed. Many people still hold the belief that driving “high” is safe and acceptable. However, substances that are mind-altering greatly impact your brain’s ability to function normally. Driving is a complex task that involves a wide range of cognitive skills, multisensory perception, and motor abilities This is why it’s dangerous, and often deadly, for ANYONE of ANY age to drive impaired. So how can someone tell if their driver is impaired? Teach your teen to be observant of the driver BEFORE they get into the car. Using their sense of sight, smell, and hearing, teens should ask themselves:
• Glossy eyes;
• Slurring
• Strong, sharp smell - like alcohol • Stinky, skunk smell - like cannabis • Bad breath
Bloodshot eyes; Dilated pupils; Can’t keep eyes open
their words • Talking slowly, mumbling • Talking quickly, rushing their words • Talking louder than usual
• Stumbling,
can’t walk straight • Agitated energy; Sweaty and alert, jittery • Moving slowly, lethargic or drowsy
Parent Tip: Remind your teen that asking the driver if they are okay to drive does not mean they are. Any amount of a mind-altering substance is impairing. If they are acting differently, they will drive differently. It’s never worth rolling the dice.
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