Study concludes that just one drink is dangerous

Vehicle manufacturer MG Rover has tested the ability of drivers to handle a performance car while under the influence of 'acceptable' levels of alcohol - and concluded that 'none for the road' is the only safe policy to adopt (RoadSafe News, January 2005).

Even after just one drink, drivers drove through red lights, veered dangerously across the centre of the road and failed to brake.

Drivers of mixed age, sex and ability were put through a series of handling tests under the supervision of police and medical experts in Spain. After each circuit they consumed one alcoholic drink. A high number of potentially fatal errors occurred before drivers reached a blood-alcohol level considered unsafe for driving.

"The lethal connection between alcohol and driving is well known," said Rob Oldaker, product development director, MG Rover. "We hope that this study, conducted in a strictly controlled environment, drives home the message that just one drink brings its risks."

Drivers were tested for steering reaction, road positional accuracy, peripheral visual awareness, braking response and speed control in conditions that would normally be experienced on the road.

More @ http://www.roadsafe.com.