Alcohol and its Effect on Driving Performance

ALCOHOL AND ITS EFFECT ON DRIVING PERFORMANCE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY:

• Amount of alcohol consumed.
• Strength or proof of alcohol.
• Length of time over which alcohol is consumed.
• Amount and kind of food in the stomach.
• Weight of an individual.
• Physical and emotional condition.

EFFECTS ON THE BODY

BRAIN
• Impairment of judgment and reasoning
• Impairment of central processing
• Loss of muscular movement and control
• Loss of inhibitions that provide restraint
• Extended period of time to recognize dangers and react
• Lack of coordination causing over-steering and failure to brake

VISION

• Night visual acuity (dark adaptation)
• Inability to see in dimly lit areas
• Glare recovery
• Inability to adjust to bright lights causing temporary blindness
• Muscular balance (blurred vision)
• Inability to coordinate objects
• Depth perception

CONTROLLING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL:

• Control intake.
• Drink water or soft drinks.
• Leave part of the drink in the glass.
• Set unwanted drinks down.
• Watch drinks being mixed.
• Space drinks.
• Eat food before or while drinking

CONTROLLING IMPAIRMENT:

• Blood alcohol concentrations.
• Time required to lower blood alcohol levels.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL:

• Strenuous activity
• Tolerance
• Coffee and cold showers
• Type of drink consumed