How does alcohol affect perception?

Alcohol significantly affects perception by impairing an individual's ability to interpret and respond to visual and auditory stimuli effectively. When consumed, alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which can lead to decreased alertness and slower reaction times. This impairment can cause difficulties in judgment, an inability to accurately assess distances, and an overall reduction in situational awareness.

As a result, individuals under the influence may experience confusion or misinterpretations of their surroundings, contributing to dangerous driving behaviors. This degradation in perception can make it challenging for someone to process information quickly and accurately, exacerbating the risk of accidents. Therefore, recognizing alcohol's impact on perception is crucial for understanding its role in impaired driving situations.