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How does alcohol affect reaction time while driving?

I know that drinking and driving is wrong. My driving instructor said that alcohol affects your reaction time the most, but I think I’m pretty sharp even after a few drinks. How does alcohol affect reaction time while driving?

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Cassandra Hamilton · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Alcohol can give you a false sense of confidence, so even though you think you’re at your sharpest after a couple of drinks, you’re probably wrong. Alcohol affects reaction time while driving because it slows your brain’s ability to process information.
If you encounter a sudden change in environment or unexpected hazard on the road while driving after a few drinks, you won’t be able to react in time and cause an accident. We hope you’re not considering getting behind the wheel after drinking because, besides being dangerous, you could get a
DUI or DWI
.
If you find yourself dealing with higher insurance rates after getting a DUI or DWI, try the
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