Alcohol may have many functions in society, including important cultural, religious and symbolic meanings in most countries. Alcohol still remains a drug with many toxic effects and carries with it other dangers including intoxication and dependence. The results of alcohol ingestion include general impairment following an immediate depressing or stimulating effect on the brain. This in turn increases the likelihood of a vehicle crash following:
Even at low levels, alcohol can impair judgement and increase a vehicle crash risk, with effects becoming progressively worse as the blood concentration increases. |
- Seat-belt compliance
- Helmet use
- Speed choice
- The use of other drugs following the tendency of alcohol to reduce inhibitions
Those at high risk of drunk-driving include: drivers and motorcyclists with any blood alcohol content greater than zero, inexperienced young adults, young adults (20- 29 years of age), teenage drivers and teenage drivers carrying two or more passengers.