Impaired, Distracted and Aggressive Driving
Impaired, Distracted and Aggressive Driving
This domain tests legal limits and the decisions that keep impairment and distraction out of the driver’s seat.
Impairment
- Alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, some medications and fatigue all impair judgment, reaction time and coordination.
- Criminal impairment is at or above 0.08 blood alcohol, but driving ability can be affected well below that.
- NWT novice drivers are subject to zero alcohol tolerance and must follow licence conditions.
- Coffee, a cold shower or fresh air do not sober a person up; only time does.
Distraction
- Texting, phone use, eating, grooming and intense conversation all take attention from the road.
- Hands-free is not risk-free; the mental distraction remains.
- Set navigation and music before driving; pull over to use a phone.
Aggression
- Tailgating, weaving, speeding, horn abuse and gestures escalate risk.
- Do not engage. Leave space, avoid eye contact and let the aggressive driver go.
- Report dangerous driving when it is safe to do so.
Worked example
A friend has one beer and says he feels fine. He should not drive. Impairment begins before a person feels drunk, and a learner or novice driver must have zero alcohol. The safe plan is a designated driver, transit or a call for a ride.
Traps
Do not assume “just one” is safe, that hands-free is safe, or that a short nap cancels alcohol. Do not respond to an aggressive driver by braking hard or chasing them.