What effect does driving under the influence typically have on your driving ability?

Driving under the influence significantly impairs both judgment and motor skills, which are crucial for safe driving. Alcohol and drugs affect the brain's ability to process information and react to surroundings appropriately. This impairment can lead to poor decision-making, such as misjudging distances or speeds, and decreased coordination, which affects the ability to steer, brake, or accelerate effectively.

While some individuals might believe their confidence increases when under the influence, this false sense of security often leads to greater risks on the road. Similarly, the misconception that feeling fine equates to being fit to drive ignores the underlying physiological effects of substances on the body, which can be subtle or unnoticeable until a critical moment arises. Thus, understanding that impairment directly alters essential driving skills is vital for maintaining road safety.