Driving impaired

Alcohol

Alcohol seriously affects your driving by slowing your reaction times and affecting your senses and judgement. 
 
If you drink and then drive, there’s more to lose than just your licence.  It is difficult to estimate how many alcoholic drinks a person can have before they reach the legal limit. Even after one drink, you’ll be putting yourself and others at risk. Only time can sober you up and you may be over the legal driving limit the next day.
 
If you’re drinking, the safest option is not to drive at all.


Medication and illegal drugs

It can be unsafe to drive after taking medication or illegal drugs. It can affect how you take in and process information, your reaction times and perception of reality. It can also make you more fatigued. You could harm yourself or other people.
 
Talk to a health care professional (nurse, doctor, pharmacist) about any medication you’re taking (as well as any other substances such as illegal drugs or alcohol), to find out how it may affect your driving.


Resources 
NZTA Waka Kotahi – Alcohol and road safety
NZTA Waka Kotahi – Medication and illegal drugs

Horizons sober driving information resources
 

If you would like copies of this resource, please get in touch with one of our road safety coordinators.