This is not a driver’s education article, and we won’t be talking about parallel parking, turn signals, or changing lanes. Instead, this is to focus on drunk driving, and why taking even a drink or two can lead to disaster. Groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have released much information about drinking and driving, but there is much more to be learned about how drinking affects driving skills.
Multitasking becomes more difficult with just one drink. This is not a skill that everybody can do well anyway, just imagine how much harder it will be if you have been drinking. It has been a subject of amusement on TV shows to portray a drunken person trying to multitask and getting all tied up. We cannot function in a normal way when influenced by alcohol and multitasking could be the first skill to be affected.
Driving takes a lot of concentration, even for a sober person. One must constantly be watching side mirrors, rearview mirrors, and out the front windshield. Even on country roads where the chance of seeing someone else is small, we are paying attention to the road, our surroundings, and watching for any impending dangers (like animals in or near the road). If we can’t devote our full attention to driving, then driving is impaired.
Busy roads present a challenge even when you are sober. The reason is because a number of things can change in an instant. There are others driving on the road and they can often be unpredictable. For example there could be a driver beside you who can either brake half a mile before a stop sign or suddenly change lanes without warning. Not everyone is as careful on the road as they should be. Alcohol numbs the senses and makes your reaction times slower. The simple act of navigating through traffic can become difficult when our reactions become slow and there a chance that an accident can occur.
These are just some things that make driving safely hard, especially after a couple of drinks. It just illustrates that drinking and driving is not a good idea. It is best to avoid it as this can be very dangerous. You may consider not drinking at all or arrange for a designated driver. As a last resort you can even sleep in your car if there is no way to get home. After all, surely the safety of others and yourself are worth the sacrifices.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
William Bly of Nielsen and Bly is a lawyer whose website has more information available about DUI penalties in Maine.
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