Driving a motor vehicle requires many coordinated functions which are impacted by alcohol and other drugs

Alcohol and other drugs can significantly impair the various functions required to drive a motor vehicle safely. Here's how they affect driving abilities:

1. Impaired Judgment: Alcohol and drugs can alter a person's ability to make sound decisions quickly, which is critical when driving. Users might take unnecessary risks like speeding or ignoring traffic signs.

2. Slowed Reaction Times: Even small amounts of alcohol and certain drugs can slow a driver's reaction time, making it more difficult to respond quickly to changing traffic conditions or emergencies.

3. Reduced Concentration: Driving requires constant attention to the road, traffic, and the vehicle's instruments. Alcohol and drugs can diminish a driver's focus, potentially leading to distractions and a lack of awareness.

4. Impaired Vision: Alcohol and certain drugs can blur vision, alter depth perception, and reduce peripheral vision, making it hard to see other cars, pedestrians, or obstacles.

5. Coordination Problems: Safe driving requires precise motor skills to steer, brake, and accelerate appropriately. Alcohol and drugs can hinder hand-eye-foot coordination.

6. Difficulty Processing Information: Alcohol and drugs can slow down the brain's ability to process information, such as recognizing traffic signals or reading road signs.

7. Drowsiness: Some drugs, including alcohol, can induce sedation and increase drowsiness, which could lead to falling asleep at the wheel.

Because impaired driving poses a significant risk to the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road, many places enforce strict laws against driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs.