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.

Driving takes a lot of concentration, even for a sober person. One must constantly be watching side mirrors, rearview mirrors, and out the front windshield. Even on country roads where the chance of seeing someone else is small, we are paying attention to the road, our surroundings, and watching for any impending dangers (like animals in or near the road). If we can’t devote our full attention to driving, then driving is impaired.

Busy roads present a challenge even when you are sober. The reason is because a number of things can change in an instant. There are others driving on the road and they can often be unpredictable. For example there could be a driver beside you who can either brake half a mile before a stop sign or suddenly change lanes without warning. Not everyone is as careful on the road as they should be. Alcohol numbs the senses and makes your reaction times slower. The simple act of navigating through traffic can become difficult when our reactions become slow and there a chance that an accident can occur.

This article just illustrates a few points of how even the smallest amount of alcohol can prevent you from driving safely. Driving under the influence is just not the smartest thing to do. Given the dangers of driving after drinking, it is best to try to take preventive action. Something to think about is choosing a designated driver, or even abstain from alcohol altogether. If you really cannot arrange any alternative you can always just sleep in your car. The sacrifice will be well worth it as your safety and that of others is of paramount importance.

This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

William Bly of Nielsen and Bly is a Portland OUI lawyer whose website has more information available about OUI laws in Portland.