Good To Know

HOW ALCOHOL CREATES DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATIONS

• Alcohol affects eye movement and it becomes harder to track moving objects.
• Alcohol also impairs eye-hand coordination.
• Alcohol lowers inhibitions. Drivers with lower inhibitions are more likely to speed, run lights and make illegal turns.

MEDICAL FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL

• People who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are more susceptible to developing a dependency on alcohol as adults - compared to those who start drinking at an older age.
• Liver damage is irreversible.
• Alcohol shrinks the part of the brain responsible for memory. MRI's among teens who drank regularly showed a 10% shrinkage.
• Alcohol poisoning is serious and can be deadly. Vomit isn't a sign of sensitivity to alcohol. It is the body's way of expelling poisons - a signal that you are reaching or have reached an unhealthy level.
• If you see someone 'passed out' from their alcohol consumption - DO NOT LET THEM SLEEP IT OFF. It is important to wake them up. If they can not be woken up, call for medical assistance.
• Developing a tolerance to alcohol is a signal your drinking habits may create medical problems in the future.
• At post secondary schools - it is estimated that alcohol is a factor for 40% of all academic problems and 20% of dropouts.
• In Canada heavy alcohol use is more prevalent among students age 20 or less - and there is not significant difference between genders.

Want More Information?

• Want more info, please read the STRID[Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving] 2010 initiative at www.ccmta.ca.
• VISIT www.saskyouth.net FOR INFO ON SASKATCHEWAN GOVERNMENT YOUTH PROJECT AWARDS/LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.
• VISIT THE NEW HEALTH CANADA SITE www.drinkingfacts.ca.