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.
To start, taking even one drink begins to affect your ability to multitask. Some of us are not good at multitasking even when sober, so drinking will only make this ability or inability much worse. This is why so many television shows feature hilarious antics as a drunken person tries to do more than one thing at a time, normally making a mess of it all. Our brains just can't deal with the alcohol and still be able to function normally, and it seems to be the ability to multitask that goes first.
Even when you are not under the influence of alcohol you need to concentrate in order to drive. You must keep up a continuous watch on rearview mirrors, side mirrors or just out of the windshield. Even on remote country lanes, where there are not many drivers on the road, we still have to be alert and be aware of our surroundings, as animals could cross at anytime and present a danger. If our senses are impaired and we are unable to concentrate our driving will not be up to standard.
The road is a difficult place to drive even when sober, especially really busy roads. This is true because there are so many variables that can change at any given time. Other people are also driving vehicles, and we can't always assume that we know what another driver is going to do in advance. The older lady in the car next to you may decide to change lanes at the last minute, or begin to brake half a mile before the stop sign. Other drivers are not always as careful as they should be, either. Drinking only makes reaction times slower. Instead of easily navigating traffic, we tend to react slowly, and can easily wind up in an accident.
There are many other reasons why driving safely can be very difficult after just one or two drinks, but these examples should begin to show that drinking and driving is just a bad idea. It can be very dangerous, and should be avoided. Get a designated driver, or choose not to drink if you are somewhere that it would be difficult to take a cab home from. If all else fails, sleep in your car for the night if you can't find a ride. Your safety and the safety of others is too important.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. - 31397
To start, taking even one drink begins to affect your ability to multitask. Some of us are not good at multitasking even when sober, so drinking will only make this ability or inability much worse. This is why so many television shows feature hilarious antics as a drunken person tries to do more than one thing at a time, normally making a mess of it all. Our brains just can't deal with the alcohol and still be able to function normally, and it seems to be the ability to multitask that goes first.
Even when you are not under the influence of alcohol you need to concentrate in order to drive. You must keep up a continuous watch on rearview mirrors, side mirrors or just out of the windshield. Even on remote country lanes, where there are not many drivers on the road, we still have to be alert and be aware of our surroundings, as animals could cross at anytime and present a danger. If our senses are impaired and we are unable to concentrate our driving will not be up to standard.
The road is a difficult place to drive even when sober, especially really busy roads. This is true because there are so many variables that can change at any given time. Other people are also driving vehicles, and we can't always assume that we know what another driver is going to do in advance. The older lady in the car next to you may decide to change lanes at the last minute, or begin to brake half a mile before the stop sign. Other drivers are not always as careful as they should be, either. Drinking only makes reaction times slower. Instead of easily navigating traffic, we tend to react slowly, and can easily wind up in an accident.
There are many other reasons why driving safely can be very difficult after just one or two drinks, but these examples should begin to show that drinking and driving is just a bad idea. It can be very dangerous, and should be avoided. Get a designated driver, or choose not to drink if you are somewhere that it would be difficult to take a cab home from. If all else fails, sleep in your car for the night if you can't find a ride. Your safety and the safety of others is too important.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. - 31397
About the Author:
William Bly of Nielsen and Bly is a Portland OUI lawyer whose website has more information available about OUI laws in Portland.
