With so many consequences to drinking and driving it’s alarming to learn that many South Africans still choose to get behind the wheel after having one drink too many.
We’re constantly reminding readers about the dangers of drinking and driving, but this time round, perhaps an explanation as to what exactly alcohol does to you body and how it affects your driving needs to be looked at.
Watch the video below by Drink Drive Courses to see just how much alcohol affects your body, especially when driving.
For those who claim that drinking has no effect on their driving ability, here is a list of the physical affects that alcohol has 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 read: Why you should drive the morning after drinking
Also remember that alcohol will be absorbed into your bloodstream for up to three hours after taking your last drink.
While you might not immediately feel the above mentioned affects to your body, remember that alcohol impairs your ability to realistically self-evaluate your level of intoxication. Rather be safe than sorry and spare the lives of others on the road by never driving after drinking.
