Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Driving Under the Influence: How Music Listening Affects Driving Behaviors
Published on: March 27, 2019
Rapid drinking is associated with increases in driving-related risk-taking
Kimberly A Bernosky-Smith1, Elizabeth R Aston, Anthony Liguori
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
Objective:
The rate of alcohol drinking has been shown to predict impairment on cognitive and behavioral tasks. The current study assessed the influence of speed of alcohol consumption within a laboratory-administered binge on self-reported attitudes toward driving and simulated driving ability.
Method:
Forty moderate drinkers (20 female, 20 male) were recruited from the local community via advertisements for individuals who drank alcohol at least once per month. The equivalent of four standard alcohol drinks was consumed at the participant's desired pace within 2-h session.
Results:
Correlation analyses revealed that, after alcohol drinking, mean simulated driving speed, time in excess of speed limit, collisions, and reported confidence in driving were all associated with rapid alcohol drinking.
Conclusion:
Fast drinking may coincide with increased driving confidence because of the extended latency between the conclusion of drinking and the commencement of driving. However, this latency did not reduce alcohol-related driving impairment, as fast drinking was also associated with risky driving.
Related Concept Videos
Hypothesis Test for Test of Independence
H0: The two variables (factors)...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...

