A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Alcohol is involved in about 40% of fatal crashes, and even small amounts raise your crash risk. It dulls judgment first — so you can't tell when you've had too much, like a sunburn you feel only after it's too late.
No one can drink and drive safely, however experienced. Even one drink can affect your driving, and new drivers are affected more than experienced drivers.
Microbrews and craft beers often have more alcohol than a 12-ounce commercial beer, and specialty drinks can equal several drinks. Alcohol can build up even at one drink per hour.
At a party you've had a craft IPA and a specialty mixed drink over two hours. That can be far more than two standard drinks, and your body clears only about one an hour. Don't drive — ride with your designated driver.
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 percentage of fatal crashes involve alcohol, according to the handbook?
About 10%
About 75%
About 40%
About 5%
Answer: About 40%
The handbook states alcohol is involved in approximately 40% of fatal crashes.
Which of these counts as 'one alcoholic drink' by the handbook's definition?
A 16-ounce craft beer
A 5-ounce glass of wine
Two shots of 80-proof liquor
A 20-ounce specialty cocktail
Answer: A 5-ounce glass of wine
One drink equals 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor, 12 oz of commercial beer, or a 5-ounce glass of wine; craft beers and specialty drinks often contain more alcohol.