What is the effect of alcohol on driving ability?

Alcohol significantly impairs several key cognitive and motor skills that are essential for safe driving. When a person consumes alcohol, both their judgment and coordination are adversely affected, leading to slower reaction times and a diminished ability to make quick decisions. This impairment can severely increase the risk of accidents, as drivers may not respond appropriately to unexpected situations on the road, such as pedestrians crossing or other vehicles changing lanes.

In contrast, other effects of alcohol, such as causing fatigue and drowsiness, while true, are secondary to the more critical impairments in judgment and coordination that directly impact driving ability. Similarly, alcohol does not enhance focus or improve decision-making skills; rather, it clouds them, leading to potentially dangerous situations for the driver and others on the road.