The physical effects alcohol has on your driving.
You may think that you can drive after having a few drinks, but are you actually aware of the ways in which alcohol affects your body?
Alcohol is a depressant and as such slows down the activity in your central nervous system and brain. The degree to which you are impaired will depend on how much you consume, as well as your body weight or tolerance. However don’t be fooled into thinking that your driving ability isn’t hindered by alcohol, it is.
Alcohol will result in the following physical effects on your body:
- Impaired vision.
- Reduced reaction time.
- Reduced ability to focus or concentrate.
- Feeling more relaxed, which may lead to drowsiness.
- Reduced ability to react to sensory information.
- Reduced ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, (e.g. changing gears while turning or watching other road traffic.)
- Over confidence, potentially higher risk taking.
Apart from these affects, alcohol also alters your perception – your views and decision making is different when under the effect of alcohol. Given that cars have the potential to hurt not only yourself, but other road users – you should not be in control of a car when you your ability to make decisions has been altered.
Also remember that alcohol will be absorbed into your bloodstream for up to three hours after taking your last drink.