GEORGIA

ALCOHOL & DRUG AWARENESS

PROGRAM (ADAP)
STUDENT MANUAL

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

Revised October 2022
Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Georgia’s Teenage and Adult Driver 6

Responsibility Act (TADRA)

Chapter 2 Traffic Laws & Safe Driving 9

Chapter 3 Alcohol and Drug Awareness 12

Chapter 4 Summary and Discussion 15

Parent/Teen Driving Agreement 18

The information contained in this manual is not intended to be an official legal reference to the Georgia Traffic Laws. It is
intended only to explain, in everyday language, those laws, driving practices, and procedures that you will use most often.
It should be noted that the material in this manual is subject to change to comply with amended State and Federal
legislation. The Departments primary statutory responsibilities are set forth in Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia
annotated (O.C.G.A.)

pg. 2
Messages
GOVERNOR BRIAN P. KEMP

“I wish you safe passage and encourage you to exercise good judgment, follow
driving laws, and prioritize safety for yourself, fellow motorists, and passengers.”

Brian P. Kemp
Governor

COMMISSIONER SPENCER R. MOORE

“Operating a vehicle is a tremendous responsibility, and we want you to be

fully prepared to meet the challenges! Please take this information seriously. By
obeying all traffic laws and never driving distracted, we can ensure that our
roads are safer for drivers and passengers alike.”
Spencer R. Moore
Commissioner

Our Mission
To provide secure driver and identity credentials to our customers with excellence and respect.

Our Core Values

• Trusted Service
• Ethical Actions
• Accountable to All
• Motivated to Excellence

#LetsTransform
#ExceedExpectations
#EveryCustomer
#EveryTime
pg. 3
DDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David W. Connell – Chair The Department of Driver Services (DDS) Board of Directors would
Jeff Markey – Vice Chair like to remind teens that driving in Georgia is a privilege that carries
many responsibilities. Please strive to become a safe, sober, and
Britt Fleck – Secretary
dependable driver to ensure that this privilege will not be lost.
Rachel Little – Member
This manual has two main purposes:
Bob Pierce – Member
(1) to inform the young people of this state of the dangers involved
Kat Satterfield – Member in consuming alcohol or drugs in connection with the operation of a
Tony Guisasola – Member motor vehicle; and
Christie Moore – Member (2) to emphasize the importance of highway safety and crash
Frank Reynolds – Member prevention.

TITLE VI POLICY STATEMENT

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is abide by the Title VI Program Assurances and to
committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights ensure that written agreements with any party for
Act of 1964 and all related nondiscrimination federally funded programs or services will include the
authorities. DDS assures that no person shall, on the applicable Title VI language as provided in the Title
grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, VI Program Assurances.
disability, low-income, and Limited English Proficiency
The DDS Title VI Program Coordinator is responsible
(LEP), be excluded from participation in, be denied the
for oversight of the Title VI Program and ensuring
benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination
compliance with the requirements provided in 49
under any program or activity. DDS further assures
Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R) Part 21 and 49
that every effort will be made to ensure
C.F.R. Part 303. The Title VI Program Coordinator and
nondiscrimination in all its programs and activities,
all Division Directors are authorized to effectively
whether those programs and activities are federally
implement the Title VI Program on behalf of the
funded. In addition, DDS will take reasonable steps to
Department.
provide meaningful access to services for persons with
Limited English Proficiency. Finally, DDS agrees to

LOCATIONS
DDS CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTERS
DDS has 68 locations throughout the state. For complete information including driving directions, please
visit dds.georgia.gov or https://dds.georgia.gov/locations/customer-service-center.

pg. 4
DDS 2 GO MOBILE APP & DDS ONLINE SERVICES
Be certain to take advantage of DDS Online Services and the free mobile app DDS 2 GO to avoid an
unnecessary trip to a Customer Service Center.
DDS Online Services and DDS 2 GO enable thousands of Georgia drivers to conduct many transactions
via dds.georgia.gov and eliminate a visit to a DDS Customer Service Center (CSC). This saves customers
valuable time and money. DDS does not charge an additional fee for choosing Internet Services and DDS
2 GO is free to download. A $5.00 discount may apply for eligible license types that are renewed without
visiting in person.
For more information visit the DDS website at: dds.georgia.gov and like DDS on Facebook!

pg. 5
CHAPTER 1: TADRA
TADRA is an acronym for Georgia’s Teenage and enactment of TADRA, the rate of fatal crashes in
Adult Driver Responsibility Act, which is a Georgia involving teenage drivers 16 years of age
comprehensive set of laws enacted in 1997 with the was 36.8% less than in the 5½ years immediately
intent of reducing fatal motor vehicle crashes prior to its enactment. Moreover, researchers found
involving teenage drivers. that speed-related fatal crashes involving teenage
drivers 16 years of age declined by nearly 50%, and
TADRA significantly changed the way teens in alcohol-related crashes involving teenage drivers 16
Georgia earn and maintain driving privileges, most years of age declined by 62%.
notably through the introduction of a three-step
Graduated Driver’s Licensing process for newly A study published in 2016 by the Traffic Injury
licensed drivers 15 to 18 years of age. TADRA also Prevention journal reports that the decline in fatal
contains important provisions specifically related to crash rates has been maintained and even increased
driving under the influence (DUI) prevention and through 15.5 years after passage of the law. The
enforcement and school enrollment requirements. greatest declines were among 16 and 17-year-olds;
most of the gains were among male drivers.
In a 2006 study conducted by Emory University,
researchers found that in the 5½ years following the Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/

pg. 6
GEORGIA’S GRADUATED DRIVER’S LICENSE PROCESS

STEP ONE: PROVISIONAL LICENSE (CLASS D)

Instructional Permit (Class CP) RESTRICTIONS - O.C.G.A. §40-5-24

A Georgia Instructional Permit (Class CP) is granted • A Class D license holder may not drive between
to persons at least 15 years of age upon passing a the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. — NO
written knowledge exam. EXCEPTIONS.
• During the first six months following issuance,
Once issued an Instructional Permit (Class CP), you only immediate family members may ride in the
may operate any Class C vehicle only when vehicle. "Immediate family member" includes the
accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age driver’s parents and stepparents, grandparents,
who is licensed to drive a Class C vehicle, who is fit siblings and step-siblings, children, and any other
and capable of exercising control over the vehicle, person who resides at the driver’s residence.
and who is occupying a seat beside the driver. • During the second six months following issuance,
only one passenger under 21 years of age who is
STEP TWO:
not a member of the driver’s immediate family
Provisional License (Class D) may ride in the vehicle.
A Georgia Provisional License (Class D) is granted to • After the first and second six-month periods, only
persons 16 and 17 years of age that have held an three passengers under 21 years of age who are
Instructional Permit (Class CP) for 12 months and one not members of the driver’s immediate family may
day, have had no major traffic violations that resulted ride in the vehicle.
in the mandatory suspension of their permit,
completed ADAP, satisfied Joshua's Law and
STEP THREE:
TADRA requirements, and passed a road skills test. Full License (Class C)
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §40-5-22, Joshua's Law Provisional License (Class D) holders may apply for
requires teens ages 16 and 17 to show proof of a Class C Georgia driver’s license upon reaching 18
having successfully completed an approved years of age; provided, however, they have not been
driver education course consisting of at least convicted of any of the following major traffic
30 hours of theoretical instruction (classroom violations during the 12 months preceding
or online) and 6 hours of practical behind-the- application:
wheel training (instructor or parent taught) to • Driving under the influence (DUI) (O.C.G.A. §40-
obtain a Provisional License (Class D). 6-391)
Once the Provisional License is obtained, the teen • Using a motor vehicle to flee or attempt to elude
driver must follow the Class D License Restrictions. a police officer (O.C.G.A. §40-6-395)

pg. 7
• Racing on highways or streets (O.C.G.A. First Suspension
§40-6-186)
• Reckless driving (O.C.G.A. §40-6-390) • If your BAC was .02 or greater but less than .08,
• Hit and run or leaving the scene of a crash your license will be suspended for a minimum
(O.C.G.A. §40-6-270) period of 6 months. However, if you have a
• Any violation that resulted in the assessment of previous conviction for an offense in the above
four or more points against their driver’s license. list, your driver’s license will be suspended for a
minimum period of 12 months. You will not be
eligible for any type of limited driving permit.
TADRA SUSPENSIONS (NON-DUI) • If your BAC was .08 or greater or you refused
The State of Georgia applies strict penalties to teens implied consent testing, your license will be
who fail to obey the laws regarding the operation of a suspended for a minimum period of 12 months.
motor vehicle. The driver’s license of any person You will not be eligible for any type of limited
under 21 years of age convicted of any of the driving permit.
following offenses shall be suspended for a period of
6 months for a first conviction or for a period of 12 Second Suspension
months for a second or subsequent suspension: Pursuant to House Bill 407 (2013), the driver’s license
of any person convicted of a second offense of driving
• Hit and run or leaving the scene of a crash
under the influence, in violation of O.C.G.A. §40-6-
(O.C.G.A. §40-6-270)
391, within a 5-year period shall be suspended for a
• Racing on highways or streets (O.C.G.A. §40-6-
minimum of 18 months. During the first 120 days of
186)
the suspension, you will have no driving privileges
• Using a motor vehicle to flee or attempt to elude
whatsoever. Following the 120-day “hard
a police officer (O.C.G.A. §40-6-395)
suspension,” you may be eligible to have a certified
• Reckless driving (O.C.G.A. §40-6-390)
and functioning ignition interlock device installed and
• Aggressive driving (O.C.G.A. §40-6-397)
maintained in any vehicle you intend to operate for a
• Underage possession of alcohol while operating
period of 12 months.
a motor vehicle (O.C.G.A. §3-3-23(a)(2))
• Any other offense for which 4 or more points are Third Suspension
assessed against the driver’s license
• The accumulation of four or more points in any You will be declared a habitual violator and your
12-month period while under 18 years of age driver’s license will be revoked for a period of 5 years.
You will also be subject to the 12-month ignition
TADRA SUSPENSIONS (DUI) interlock requirement once you become eligible for
reinstatement of your driving privileges.
In Georgia, persons under 21 years of age are
presumed to be DUI in violation of O.C.G.A. NOTE: A fourth violation of DUI within a 10-year period
§40-6-391(k)(1) if they are operating a motor vehicle is considered a felony in Georgia and, upon conviction,
and their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .02 or may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and 5 years
greater. imprisonment. See O.C.G.A. §40-6-391(c)(4).

TADRA SCHOOL ENROLLMENT Home-schooled students may provide a Certificate

of Enrollment from the Georgia Department of
REQUIREMENTS Education (DOE) or the Declaration of Intent to
Utilize a Home Study Program form filed with DOE.
O.C.G.A. §40-5-22
Teens under 18 and not enrolled in school must
Teens under 18 years old must be enrolled in and provide a high school diploma, GED, special
not under expulsion from a public or private school to diploma, certification of high school completion, or
obtain a driver’s license or instructional permit. One proof of enrollment in a GED program or a
of the following is required for school enrollment postsecondary school.
proof: DDS Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1)
signed by the school and notarized, most recent TADRA RESPONSIBLE ADULT
school transcript, latest progress or grade report, or REQUIREMENTS
current school ID.
All applicants under 18 years of age must have a
pg. 8
responsible adult present to sign the application and • An employee of a homeless shelter where the
complete the Responsible Adult Affidavit. A applicant resides (must provide an employee ID
responsible adult is a person who is 18 years of or a letter from the shelter),
age or older, competent to verify the
• A stepparent of the applicant (must provide a
application, and has personal knowledge of the
valid marriage license or document reflecting
applicant. He or she may be:
marriage to the biological parent of the applicant),
• A parent or legal guardian of the applicant
(must provide school or military documents, tax • Other persons who can be identified by a state
information or a driver’s license/permit/ID card to agency or official, school official or certified
show relationship to applicant), school records, or documentation from a federal
agency or entity.
• A social worker who has worked with the
applicant (must provide an employee ID or a letter
from the state agency),

Did You Know?

FACT: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about seven (7) teens ages 16
to 19 die everyday from motor vehicle injuries.
FACT: Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reports that more than 1,000 crashes happen
around the state daily and an estimated 31 people die each week on Georgia roadways.
FACT: Two or more peer passengers more than triples the risk of a fatal crash with a teen at the wheel.

FACT: The State of Georgia applies strict penalties to teens who fail to obey the laws regarding
the operation of the vehicle.
FACT: The parent, legal guardian or responsible adult who signed a minor's application for an instructional
permit or driver's license may request revocation of the permit or license at any time before the
minor's 18th birthday.
FACT: Georgia law requires that all drivers, including bicyclists, obey all official highway signs and traffic
control signals unless otherwise directed by a police officer or emergency worker.

CHAPTER 2: TRAFFIC LAWS & • The Hands-Free Georgia Act (O.C.G.A. §40-6-
241) prohibits the use of handheld devices while
SAFE DRIVING driving a motor vehicle.
Traffic laws alone cannot regulate every type of
driving situation that may occur. There are some
TRAFFIC LAWS
general rules which drivers should understand and Safety Belts
follow. Read this chapter with care. These safety tips
might help you avoid a crash, serious injury, or even O.C.G.A. §40-8-76.1 requires that each occupant of
death. These are only general statements and cannot the front seat of a passenger vehicle, while such
dictate your actions in all situations. It is up to you to passenger vehicle is being operated on a public road,
evaluate the situation and decide the best course of street, or highway of this state, be restrained by a seat
action. safety belt approved under Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 208. In Georgia, the term “passenger
• Occupant Safety (O.C.G.A. §40-8-76): Georgia vehicle” means every motor vehicle, including, but not
Law requires that each occupant in a front seat limited to, pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility
be restrained by a seat belt.

pg. 9
vehicles designed to carry 15 passengers or fewer that distracts the driver from the safe operation of
and used for the transportation of persons. such vehicle.

Safety belts have proven to be the most effective Texting and Driving
occupant protection in all types of vehicle crashes.
Using safety belts correctly is a health care habit that, The Hands-Free Georgia Act (O.C.G.A. §40-6-241)
in the event of a crash: requires drivers (any age, any license type) to refrain
from physically holding or supporting a wireless
• helps you keep control of the vehicle, telecommunications device for any reason while
• helps keep your head from striking the dash or operating a vehicle. Under this law, drivers are also
windshield, prohibited from writing, sending, or reading any text-
• helps keep people in the vehicle from hitting based communication and watching, recording, or
each other, broadcasting videos on a wireless communications
• helps spread the crash force across the stronger device while operating a motor vehicle. Wireless
parts of the body, and communications device includes cellular telephones,
• helps keep you from being ejected from the portable telephones, text-messaging devices,
vehicle. personal digital assistants, computers, and any other
portable wireless devices used to initiate or receive
Moreover, when used correctly, safety belts are communication, information, or data. The phone or
effective at helping reduce the risk of death or serious
device can only be used with an earpiece,
injury. For this reason, safety belt use is encouraged
wrist device, mounted phone holder, or through the
for the driver and all car occupants.
vehicle's Bluetooth connection. Penalties are fines
Safety Restraints for Children and points added to your driving record that
increase for each conviction.
O.C.G.A. §40-8-76 requires children under 8 years of
age be properly secured in an approved car seat or PENALTIES
booster seat while riding in passenger automobiles, • 1st conviction — 1 point and fine not more than
vans, and pickup trucks. The car seat or booster seat $50.00
must be in the rear seat, be appropriate for the child’s • 2nd conviction — 2 points and fine not more
weight and height, and be installed and used in than $100.00
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The • 3rd or more convictions — 3 points and fine not
restraint system must comply with the United States more than $150.00
Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle TAKE THE PLEDGE
Safety Standard 213. Taxicabs and public transit
vehicles are exempt from this law. Teens can commit to distraction-free driving by
taking the pledge to:
Distracted Driving
• Protect lives by never texting or talking on the
Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety phone while driving.
issues. According to the National Highway Traffic • Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver
Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people were is distracted.
killed on U.S. roadways in 2020 because of distracted • Encourage friends and family to drive
drivers. There were 202 teens between the ages of distraction-free.
15 to 19 killed in distraction affected crashes in 2018.1
Distracted driving is doing another activity while The Parent/Teen Driving Agreement available in
driving. This takes the driver’s attention away from the this manual can be used to take a pledge against
primary task of driving and increases the risk of distracted driving.
crashing. Common distractions include but are not
limited to talking on a cell phone, texting, reading,
SAFE DRIVING
eating, grooming, using a navigation device, and Steering
adjusting the stereo system. The presence of
passengers and pets can also increase crash risk. Good posture while driving is important because it
Georgia law requires drivers to exercise due care in allows a better view of hazards and more control of
operating a motor vehicle and prohibits any action the vehicle. As a general rule, when gripping the

pg. 10
steering wheel, place your left hand at the 9 o’clock driving. Traffic, running late, anonymity, and a
position and your right hand at the 3 o’clock position disregard for others and for the law are factors that
on the wheel. Some manufacturers recommend tend to lead to speeding. Always know your speed
placing your hands at 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions and obey speed limit signs. Be mindful that
when the vehicle is equipped with air bags. Check hazards such as bad weather or dangerous road
your owner’s manual or contact your vehicle conditions may require a reduction in speed. While
manufacturer to determine which hand position is driving, try to carefully and lawfully keep your vehicle
best for your vehicle. Always keep both hands on the out of the way of speeding and aggressive drivers.
wheel unless you are safely performing another
driving-related task, such as activating your turn Space Management
signal. Rear-end collisions are often caused by following
another vehicle too closely. When following another
Driving after Sunset
vehicle, there must be enough distance for you to
Driving after sunset presents significant safely stop if the vehicle in front of you suddenly slows
challenges like glare and reduced visibility. down or stops. One way to determine if there is
Young drivers may find it difficult to determine the enough distance between your vehicle and the
size, speed, color, and distance of objects. According vehicle in front of you is to measure the amount of
to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), time between when the vehicle in front of you passes
the fatal crash rate of teenage drivers 16-19 years a reference point and when your vehicle passes the
of age is about four times as high at night. same reference point. To do that, watch the car
ahead of you. When it passes a reference
Vision can be severely limited at night. Since the point, such as a telephone pole or street sign,
vehicle’s narrow headlight beams limit the driver’s count “one-thousand one, one-thousand two, one-
view, be sure to look at the outer fringes of thousand three.” If you pass the same spot before
headlight beams to get the best picture of possible you are finished counting, you are following too
dangers ahead and the sides of the vehicle. Fringe closely.
vision helps you to identify objects near your travel
path. Utilize your peripheral vision to scan for Maintaining at least a 3-second space margin
landmarks and spot changes in your side and rear- between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
view mirrors. Avoid using a light inside the car, as not only provides you with visibility, time, and space
this, too, will greatly reduce your night vision. Also, to help avoid a rear-end crash, but also allows you
remember to always slow down and increase time to steer or brake out of danger at moderate
following distance to reduce the potential of a crash speeds. In addition, remember that while driving at
when driving at night. night, during inclement weather, or when hazardous
road conditions are present, the distance between
Speed your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you should be
even greater. When stopping behind another vehicle,
Speeding is one of the most common factors
stop in a position that allows you to see the back tires
contributing to traffic crashes. It reduces a driver’s
of the car in front you.
ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the
roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a Tire Pressure
vehicle, and limits the reaction time needed to
avoid a dangerous situation. High speeds also Prior to entering the vehicle, use a tire pressure
reduce the ability of the vehicle restraint system gauge to check your psi. The recommended psi
and roadway safety equipment such as should be listed in the door jamb of the vehicle. If
guardrails, barriers, and impact attenuators to protect your psi is above the recommended number,
vehicle occupants. release air from the tire until it matches. If it is
below, add air (or have a retailer help you) until it
Speeding endangers everyone on the road and reaches the proper number.
makes car crashes more deadly. In 2020, speeding
killed 11,258 people.7 GDOT reported 380 Once every month or before you embark upon a long
speed-related deaths on Georgia roads the road trip, check your tires for wear and damage
same year. Driving at high speeds or "going too problems. One easy way to measure tread depth and
fast" can be considered aggressive and reckless check for wear is by using the penny test.

pg. 11
1. Take a penny and hold Abraham Lincoln’s body 3. If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the
between your thumb and forefinger. tread, you are driving with the legal and safe
2. Select a point on your tire where the tread amount of tread. If your tread gets below that
appears the lowest and place Lincoln’s head into (approximately 2/32 of an inch), your car’s ability
one of the grooves. to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly
reduced.

BAC Physiological Effects Effects on Driving Ability

• Some loss of judgment
• Relaxation • Decline in visual function
.02
• Slight body warmth • Decline in ability to perform two tasks simultaneously
• Altered mood
• Exaggerated behavior
• Loss of small-muscle control • Reduced coordination
• Impaired judgment • Reduced ability to track moving objects
.05
• Usually good feeling • Difficulty steering
• Lowered alertness • Reduced response to emergency driving situations
• Release of inhibition
• Muscle coordination becomes poor (e.g., balance, speech, • Reduced ability to concentrate
vision, reaction time, and hearing) • Short-term memory loss
.08 • Harder to detect danger • Reduced ability to process information (e.g., signal
• Judgment, self-control, reasoning, and memory are detection, visual search)
impaired • Impaired perception
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the American Medical Association, the National
Commission Against Drunk Driving, WebMD

CHAPTER 3: ALCOHOL AND ability and cause an alcohol-related crash. There is

an average of one alcohol-impaired driving death that
DRUG AWARENESS occurs every 45 minutes. In 2020, 11,654 people
were killed in alcohol-related crashes in the United
ALCOHOL States.7 There were 402 alcohol-related crash
According to the CDC, alcohol is one of the most fatalities in Georgia that same year.1
widely used drugs in the world and a leading cause of
Alcohol impairs brain function needed to safely
preventable deaths in the United States. It is used by
operate a motor vehicle. It can at any level affect
young people more often than tobacco or illicit drugs.
coordination, reaction time, and the ability to think and
Among youth, the use of alcohol and other drugs has
make good decisions. The negative effects increase
been linked to unintentional injuries, physical fights,
as alcohol levels increase in an individual’s system.
academic and occupational problems, and risky or
Alcohol abuse is associated with liver disease,
illegal behavior.8
cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological
All states, including Georgia, prohibit the purchase of damage, as well as psychiatric problems such as
alcohol by youth under 21 years of age. depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality
Consequently, underage drinking is defined as disorder.
consuming alcohol prior to the minimum legal drinking
Excessive alcohol consumption which includes binge
age of 21. Zero tolerance laws in all states make it
drinking, heavy drinking, and/or underage drinking
illegal for youth under age 21 to drive with a Blood
can lead to alcohol poisoning. High levels of alcohol
Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .02 or greater. In
in the body can shutdown critical areas of the brain
other words, driving under the influence is a crime that
that manage breathing, heart rate, and body
can result in a criminal record, jail time, loss of driving
temperature.8 Passing out and not being able to be
privileges and a costly fine. Drinking and driving also
awakened can be a sign of alcohol poisoning. Other
increases the risk of a traffic crash. Even a small
symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures,
amount of alcohol or a lower BAC can affect driving

pg. 12
slowed breathing, blueish skin, and low body body, affects the brain, and increases the blood
temperature. In a suspected case of alcohol pressure and heart rate. Using cocaine, in any form,
poisoning, immediate medical care is vital. can cause hallucinations, paranoia, aggression,
insomnia, anxiety/depression, seizures, a heart
MARIJUANA attack, respiratory failure, and even death. It can also
cause permanent damage to the lungs, nasal
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse
passages, and intestines. An overdose can occur
(NIDA), marijuana is the most commonly used
unexpectedly even on the first use. The CDC reported
substance after alcohol. In 2018, more than 11.8
a decrease in cocaine use among high school
million young adults admitted to using marijuana.9
students in 2019.
Research data provided by the CDC shows that
users were 25% more likely to be involved in a MDMA/ECSTASY
traffic crash.
MDMA, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is
Driving under the influence of marijuana increases commonly called Ecstasy or Molly. It is a synthetic
the risk of a traffic crash and the probability a stimulant and hallucinogenic drug distributed in the
fatality. The effects of marijuana on driving can be form of pills, powder, and liquid. MDMA affects the
like those associated with alcohol. It impairs brain causing confusion, anxiety, depression, and
judgment, distorts perception, alters senses, and paranoia. It increases the blood pressure and heart
slows the ability to react. It also irritates the lungs rate. Other physiological effects include tremors,
which can cause similar breathing problems fainting, blurred vision, muscle cramps, and nausea.
experienced by tobacco smokers (i.e., daily cough, MDMA use can interfere with the body’s ability to
frequent chest illnesses, lung infections). Marijuana regulate its temperature, which can cause dangerous
smoke deposits four times more tar in the lungs and overheating (hyperthermia). This, in turn, can lead to
contains up to 70% more cancer-causing substances serious heart, kidney, or liver problems, and even
than does tobacco smoke. It can raise the heart rate death. MDMA use among teens increased in
increasing the chance of a heart attack and/or 2019.8
damage to the cardiovascular system. Per NIDA,
there is scientific evidence proving marijuana use can HALLUCINOGENS
negatively impact one’s functionality and well-
being. It can cause difficulty thinking, learning, Hallucinogens are synthetically produced or plant-
remembering, and concentrating and lead to mental based drugs that change the way the brain interprets
health issues. Research further shows that time, reality, and its environment. This usually results
marijuana can affect brain development permanently in the user hearing voices, seeing images, and feeling
when use begins in adolescence. things that do not exist. The user may also feel
confused, suspicious, and disoriented which can lead
Marijuana, also called Weed, Herb, Pot, Grass, Bud, to panic, paranoia, and psychosis. The use of a
Ganja, and Mary Jane, is dried cannabis sativa plant hallucinogenic drug increases the blood pressure and
which contains the main psychoactive chemical, heart rate which can result in heart and lung damage
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and non-psychoactive or failure. PCP, Angel Dust, and Mescaline are
chemical, cannabidiol (CBD). It is used in various considered hallucinogens. According to the United
ways such as a cigarette (joint), cigar (blunt), States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the
smoking pipe or vaporizer, food (edible), tea and oils. most common hallucinogens abused by high school
Marijuana use can be addictive and lead to the use students are “Mushrooms”, LSD (“Acid”), and
of other drugs. As many as 1 in 6 teens who use Ecstasy. These dangerous drugs come in many
marijuana develop an addiction and/or dependency.8 forms and colors and are usually made to appeal to
teens. Hallucinogenic drug use among high school
COCAINE students decreased in 2021.9
Cocaine is an illegal and highly addictive drug made
from coca plant leaves but often used in the form of a
HEROIN
white powder or crystal substance. Also known as Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive drug made
Blow, Coke, Crack, Rock, and Snow, cocaine is from morphine and often produced as a powder or
considered a dangerous stimulant that speeds up the sticky substance. Also known as Black Tar, Hell Dust,

pg. 13
Horse, Smack, and Thunder, it enters the brain very experience dry mouth, increased sweating, dilated
quickly which tends to influence abuse, addiction, and pupils, headaches, disorientation, severe
physical dependency. This opiate drug slows depression, paranoia, fatigue, and, in some cases,
the thought process, reaction time, and memory hallucinations. Methamphetamine impairs decision
and affects the way the user acts and makes making, judgement and coordination. Repeated use
decisions. Heroin abuse is associated with can negatively impact the brain function and cause
serious health conditions. Chronic users may psychosis, mental disorders, and cardiovascular and
develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart renal dysfunction. The CDC reported a substantial
lining and valves, abscesses, and liver or kidney increase in methamphetamine related deaths in
disease. Pulmonary complications, including various 2020.
types of pneumonia, may result from the poor
health of a heroin user as well as from the PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-
drug’s depressing effects on respiration. In COUNTER (OTC) DRUGS
addition to the effects of the drug itself, street heroin
often contains toxic contaminants or additives that Prescription and OTC medications are widely
can clog blood vessels leading to the lungs, liver, available, free or inexpensive, and falsely believed to
kidneys, or brain, causing permanent damage to be safer than illicit drugs. The rates of non-medical
vital organs. The CDC reports continued use of prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs
increase in overdose deaths mostly involve the use among high school students remain high.8
of opioids like heroin and fentanyl. Prescription medications most commonly abused by
youth include pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants,
INHALANTS and depressants. These drugs include but are not
limited to Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, Codeine,
Inhalants are regular products and substances with Adderall, Ritalin, Valium, and Xanax. Prescription or
invisible fumes or chemical vapors, like glue or paint, OTC medication misuse can cause serious health
that are misused to get an immediate high. Misuse effects, addiction, and death. Misuse of a drug can be
involves sniffing or “huffing” the fumes and vapors of defined as taking more than the amount prescribed or
the product which can cause irreversible physical and directed, taking it more often than prescribed or
mental damage. This damage can occur with the directed, taking it for non-medical reasons, and/or
initial use and before the user knows what is taking a drug prescribed or intended for someone
happening since it affects the brain with much greater else.
speed and force than many other substances.
Inhalants starve the body of oxygen and force the DESIGNER AND SYNTHETIC DRUGS
heart to beat irregularly and more rapidly; a loss of
consciousness or even asphyxiation can result. An The State of Georgia has strict laws (O.C.G.A.
inhalant user can experience disorientation, impaired §16-13-25) targeting the sale and possession of
coordination, nausea, and nosebleeds; develop liver, designer and synthetic drugs, which have the same
lung, and kidney problems; and lose their sense of physiological effects on the body as other controlled
hearing or smell. Chronic users can experience substances. These drugs include but are not limited
muscle wasting, reduced muscle tone and strength, to synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and
and damage to the nervous system. Inhalants are synthetic opioids. Snorting, smoking, injecting, and/
mostly used by teens. NIDA reported an increase in or orally ingesting these synthetic drugs can lead to
inhalant use in 2020 among high schoolers with the a stroke, heart attack, and even death.
highest number of users being in 8th grade. Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as synthetic/new
marijuana, K2/Spice and commonly marketed as
METHAMPHETAMINE incense, are dangerous chemical compounds
Methamphetamine is commonly called Meth or produced for a psychoactive effect. Synthetic
Crystal Meth. It is a synthetic stimulant made from marijuana use can cause an elevated heart rate and
other drugs and chemicals and can be in the form of blood pressure, unconsciousness, seizures,
a powder, pill, or crystals. This highly addictive drug vomiting, intense hallucinations, and paranoid
affects the central nervous system and dangerously delusions. It is considered more potent than
increases the body’s regulatory functions (i.e., heart marijuana and likely to cause more severe side
rate, breathing, and blood pressure). This, in turn, effects. K2 use has increased in the high schools at
increases the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Users an alarming rate.

pg. 14
Synthetic cathinones, also called “bath salts,” “plant Second Suspension
food”, or Flakka and distributed in a powder or
capsule form, stimulate the central nervous system Your driver’s license or driving privileges will be
much like cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. suspended for a minimum period of 3 years.
“Bath Salts” cause dizziness, vomiting, paranoia, Pursuant to House Bill 349 (2013), you may apply for
hallucinations, delusions, seizures, suicidal thoughts, reinstatement of your driver’s license by submitting
prolonged panic attacks, and a rapid heart rate. proof of completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use
Risk Reduction Program after 1 year from the
Synthetic opioids like methadone and fentanyl are conviction date.
analgesic. They are more potent than morphine and
heroin and often mixed with other opioids increasing Georgia’s Implied Consent Law
the risk of an overdose. According to the DEA, a re- Georgia’s Implied Consent law, O.C.G.A.
emergence in the distribution and abuse of synthetic §40-5-67.1, requires you to submit to state-
opioids started up again in 2013. In 2020, CDC administered chemical tests of your blood, breath,
reported a significant increase in related overdoses urine, or other bodily substances for the purpose of
and deaths. determining if you are under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. If you refuse this testing, your Georgia
DRUGS AND DRIVING PRIVILEGES driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum
In Georgia, pursuant to O.C.G.A. §40-5-75, the period of 1 year for each refusal. There is no limited
driver’s license of any person convicted of driving or driving permit available for suspensions related to
being in actual physical control of any moving vehicle implied consent refusals.
while under the influence of a controlled substance
Your refusal to submit to blood or urine testing
or marijuana shall be suspended by operation of law.
may be offered as evidence against you in a court of
First Suspension law. If you submit to testing and the test results
indicate a blood alcohol concentration at or
Your driver’s license or driving privileges will be above the legal limit (.02 for persons under age
suspended for a period of 180 days. After the 21), your Georgia driver’s license or privilege to
required suspension period, you may apply for drive on the highways of this state may be
reinstatement of your driver’s license by submitting suspended for a minimum period of 1 year.
proof of completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug
UseRisk Reduction Program. You will not be eligible
for any type of limited driving permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What about other medications or drugs? Question: Why do some people react differently to
alcohol than others?
Answer: Medications or drugs will not change your BAC.
However, if you drink alcohol while taking certain Answer: Individual reactions to alcohol vary and are
medications, you may become more impaired, which will influenced by many factors such as:
affect your ability to perform driving-related tasks. • Age.
• Gender.
Question: Is it safe to drink alcohol and drive?
• Amount of food consumed before drinking.
Answer: No. Alcohol use slows reaction time and impairs • How quickly the alcohol was consumed.
judgment and coordination, which are all skills needed to • Use of drugs or prescription medicines.
drive a car safely. The more alcohol consumed, the greater
the impairment. • Family history of alcohol problems.

CHAPTER 4: SUMMARY & DISCUSSION

O.C.G.A. §40-5-22(a) requires that any person under 18 years of age complete the Georgia Alcohol & Drug
Awareness Program (ADAP) to obtain a Georgia driver’s license.

pg. 15
Chapter 1: TADRA • In Georgia, the term “passenger vehicle”
means every motor vehicle, including, but not
• TADRA is an acronym for Georgia’s
limited to, pickup trucks, vans, and sport
Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act.
utility vehicles designed to carry 15
• According to the Centers for Disease passengers or fewer and used for the
Control and Prevention (CDC), motor transportation of persons.
vehicle crashes are the leading cause of
• Two or more peer passengers more than
death for U.S. teens, accounting for more
triples the risk of a fatal crash with a teen
than one in three deaths in this age group.
behind the wheel.
About seven (7) teens ages 16 to 19 die
everyday from motor vehicle injuries. • Maintaining at least a 3-second space margin
between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
• Pursuant to “Joshua’s Law,” proof of having
of you not only provides you with visibility,
completed an approved driver training
time, and space to help avoid rear-end
course consisting of at least 30 hours of
crashes, but also allows you to steer or brake
theoretical instruction (classroom or online)
out of danger at moderate speeds.
and 6 hours of practical behind-the-wheel
training (instructor or parent taught) is • The Hands-Free Georgia Act (O.C.G.A. §40-
required to obtain a Provisional License 6-241) prohibits the use of handheld devices
(Class D) at age 16 or 17. while driving a motor vehicle.
• During the first six months following the
issuance of a Provisional License (Class Chapter 3: Alcohol and Drug Awareness
D), only the teen driver's immediate
• Alcohol is used by young people in the
family members may ride in the vehicle.
United States more often than tobacco or
• The term “immediate family member” illicit drugs.
includes the license holder’s parents and
• The minimum legal drinking age in Georgia is
stepparents, grandparents, siblings and
21.
step-siblings, children, and any other person
who resides at the license holder’s • Marijuana continues to be the most
residence. commonly used illicit drug among youth in the
United States.
• In Georgia, persons under 21 years of age
operating a motor vehicle with a blood • Georgia law bans the sale and possession of
alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02 or “bath salts” and K2, a substance more
greater are presumed to be DUI, in commonly referred to as “synthetic
violation of O.C.G.A. §40-6-391(k)(1). marijuana,” and marketed as incense.

• In Georgia, pursuant to O.C.G.A. §40-5-75,

Chapter 2: Traffic Laws and Safe Driving the driver’s license of any person convicted
• Safety belts have proven to be the most of driving or being in actual physical control
effective occupant protection in all types of of any moving vehicle while under the
vehicle crashes. influence of a controlled substance or
marijuana shall be suspended by operation of
• Driving at high speeds or "going too fast" law.
reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely
around curves or objects in the roadway, • Refusal to submit to state-administered
extends the distance necessary to stop a chemical tests of your blood, breath, urine, or
vehicle, and limits the reaction time needed other bodily substances for the purpose of
to avoid a dangerous situation. determining if you are under the influence of
alcohol or drugs will result in the suspension
• The fatal crash rate of teenage drivers 16-19 of your Georgia driver’s license and privilege
years of age is about four times as high at to drive on the highways of this state for a
night. minimum period of 1 year for each refusal.
pg. 16
RESOURCES
1. Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) 6. Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/ http://dds.georgia.gov

2. Georgia Department of Education (DOE) 7. National Highway Traffic Safety

http://www.gadoe.org/ Administration (NHTSA)
http://www.nhtsa.gov/

3. The Council on Alcohol and Drugs 8. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.livedrugfree.org/ (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/

4. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 9. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
http://www.iihs.org/ http://nida.nih.gov/

5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 10. United States Department of Justice Drug
Administration (SAMHSA) Enforcement Administration (DEA)
http://www.samhsa.gov/ http://dea.gov/

ADAP CROSSWORD PUZZLE

pg. 17
Follow DDS!
pg. 18