|
Myths and Facts about Alcohol and Driving
Myths and misconceptions about alcohol and its effects on safe driving
are widespread. Knowing the truth could mean the difference between
life and death.
Myth: Alcohol is a stimulant.
Fact: Alcohol is a depressant. It acts on the central
nervous system like an anesthetic to lower or depress the activity
of the brain.
Myth: "Drinking coffee sobers me up."
Fact: Coffee cannot rid your system of alcohol. It
just makes you a nervous, wide-awake drunk. Only time reverses the
impairment.
Myth: "I always stay away from the hard stuff."
Fact: Alcohol is alcohol. One 12-ounce glass of beer
has as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey or a 5-ounce glass
of wine.
Myth: "I am bigger so I can handle my liquor
better than other people."
Fact: Size is only one factor in how much you can
drink. Metabolism, amount of rest and food intake all play a part
in how you handle liquor. Impairment in motor reflexes and judgment
can begin with the first drink.
Myth: "Once I roll down my car window, I am okay to drive."
Fact: No amount of fresh, chilly air can reverse impairment. You gain
nothing by rolling down a window or turning on the air conditioner.
Myth: "I just drive slower after drinking."
Fact: Many people believe that by driving more slowly, they can compensate
for being impaired. The truth is, drunk drivers are dangerous at any
speed.
Myth: "All I have to do is splash my face with cold water."
Fact: Cold water or even a cold shower will not sober you up or make
you a safer driver.
Courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department
of Transportation
Back to Special Issues: Impaired Driving
|
