What effect does alcohol have on drivers' reaction times?

Alcohol consumption significantly impairs a driver's ability to react quickly to changing road conditions. When under the influence, the central nervous system is affected, leading to increased reaction times. This means that a driver may take longer to process information, make decisions, or physically respond to unexpected events, such as a pedestrian stepping into the road or another vehicle changing lanes suddenly.

This impairment is particularly dangerous because driving requires the ability to quickly assess situations and respond appropriately to avoid accidents. The slower reactions that accompany alcohol use can lead to decreased overall driving performance, ultimately increasing the likelihood of crashes. Understanding the detrimental effects of alcohol on reaction times is crucial for drivers to make safe choices on the road.