Alcohol and Accidents

The relationship between drinking and driving is a complex one. In general, the probability of a crash increases as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases. Physiological changes with increased BAC impair attention span, alertness, visual acuity, and reaction times. Risk-taking behavior is increased with alcohol consumption. Alcohol is particularly detrimental for the inexperienced driver as well as for the driver in unfamiliar territory. This report covers research of three major types: research on the physiological effects of alcohol, laboratory and simulation studies of alcohol as it affects driver skills, and epidemiological studies of alcohol-related accidents in field settings.