How does alcohol affect driving ability?

Alcohol affects driving ability primarily by acting as a depressant that impairs various cognitive and motor functions essential for safe driving. When consumed, alcohol narrows the driver’s focus and slows down their reaction time, making it more challenging to respond swiftly to changing traffic conditions. This slowed response can lead to difficulties in making quick decisions, such as appropriately reacting to pedestrians, other vehicles, or unexpected obstacles on the road.

As a depressant, alcohol can diminish coordination, reduce the ability to gauge distances accurately, and impair judgment. Individuals under the influence may overestimate their driving capabilities while underestimating risks, leading to reckless behavior. This combination of factors significantly increases the likelihood of accidents and endangers not only the driver but also other road users.

In contrast, the other options suggest improvements in decision-making and reaction times or a stimulating effect on alertness, which do not accurately reflect the true impact of alcohol on driving ability. Therefore, recognizing alcohol as a depressant is critical for understanding the dangers of driving while impaired.