A 2-minute lesson from the Alaska course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Alcohol isn't the only thing that makes driving dangerous. Prescription medicine, over-the-counter pills and illegal drugs can all impair you, and Alaska's DUI law covers any controlled substance.
Know the rule
Alaska law forbids driving under the influence of "any controlled substance," including narcotic and non-narcotic drugs, not just illegal drugs.
After a crash causing death or serious physical injury to another person, an officer can require a blood or urine sample to test for alcohol or controlled substances.
Your doctor prescribes a new medication and the label warns of drowsiness. Ask your doctor how it affects driving before you get behind the wheel, and skip alcohol entirely: the two together multiply the effects.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
About what share of prescription drugs used today can interact with alcohol, according to the handbook?
About 5 percent
At least 25 percent
About 45 percent
About 80 percent
Answer: At least 25 percent
It has been estimated that at least 25 percent of prescription drugs used today can interact with alcohol.