The above traffic sign made me think about impaired driving and the need for a sober approach to road safety! Perhaps sober thoughts are required not only from our drivers and pedestrians – but even from road authorities and those responsible for the maintenance of our roads!
I thought it might be wise to share a brief diagnosis of Intoxication and the categories of being impaired:
• Sober
The individual is not, or is only minimally under the influence of alcohol and shows no signs of intoxication on examination.
• Slightly intoxicated
The individual has a flushed face, dilated pupils and is euphoric with a loss of inhibitions.
• Moderately intoxicated
The individual will, in addition to the above, display delayed pupillary reaction, in coordination of fine movements, Rhombergism, thick speech and a tendency to stumble when turning.
• Strongly under the influence
The individual will now also have dilated pupils with very slow reaction, nystagmus, incoordination of movements, and a stumbling gait with exaggerated reactions when required to perform unexpected movements.
• Very strongly under the influence
In addition to all the above-mentioned features, the face may be either flushed or pale, the pupils may be pinpoint or dilated, the person may be apathetic and show intellectual clouding and disorientation. Pronounced incoordination and pronounced Rhombergism are evident and vomiting may occur.
View the Arrive Alive website for more information on drunk driving / responsible driving.