ALCOHOL AND THE PERCEPTION OF SPEED

Alcohol-affected drivers, and specifically young alcohol-affected driver, are over represented in road accidents in New South Wales. This single-blind study assessed the effects of a moderate dose of alcohol on inexperienced and mature drivers' reaction times, perception of vehicle speed, awareness, and ability to perform complex driving manoeuvres such as overtaking. Participants (20 males and 20 females) were required to consume an amount of alcohol sufficient to reach a target blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.080 g dL-1, and undertook two experimental sessions on the STISIM Drive Driving Simulator at 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Comparisons were made between performances at target BACs of 0.000 g dL-1 (placebo condition) and 0.080 g dL-1, as well as between the performances of young and mature drivers.(A) For the covering abstract of the conference, see ITRD Abstract No. E201067.