Drinking and Driving Don’t Mix: Understand the Impacts Now!

Have you ever thought about the risks of combining drinking and driving? This practice, although it may seem harmless to some, is responsible for thousands of fatal accidents every year. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), driving under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of serious collisions by up to 80%.

In Brazil, alcohol consumption is involved in around 20% of traffic accidents recorded annually.

But what makes this combination so dangerous? How does alcohol affect the skills needed to drive a vehicle? And most importantly: what can you do to protect your life and the lives of others?

In today's car safety talk, we will understand everything you need to know about drinking and driving, from the effects of alcohol on the body to the legal and social consequences of drunk driving.

Why is the combination of drinking and driving dangerous?

The combination of drinking alcohol and driving is dangerous because alcohol compromises essential functions of the body and mind, directly affecting the skills necessary to drive a vehicle safely.

Let’s understand the scientific and behavioral foundations of this relationship:

The impact of alcohol on the body

Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, decreasing brain activity and affecting areas responsible for quick decisions, reflexes and motor coordination.

These changes include:

• Delayed reaction time: Decisions that would normally take fractions of a second, such as braking or avoiding an obstacle, are significantly slower.
• Reduced field of vision: The so-called “tunnel effect” causes the driver to only see what is directly ahead, ignoring dangers on the side.
• Impaired motor coordination: Controlling the steering wheel, pedals and gear simultaneously becomes more difficult, increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
• Change in risk perception: Alcohol increases driver confidence, reducing caution and leading to more risky behavior, such as reckless overtaking.

Alcohol-Driven Behaviors

From a behavioral perspective, alcohol interferes with judgment, creating a false sense of security. Many drivers underestimate the effects of alcohol and believe they are fit to drive even after drinking alcohol.

This excessive self-confidence is one of the main reasons why alcohol is associated with dangerous decisions on the road.

Alarming Statistics

The numbers leave no doubt about the danger:

• Global: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.35 million people die in traffic accidents every year, and alcohol consumption is one of the main risk factors.
• Brazil: According to the Ministry of Health, around 20% of fatal traffic accidents in the country involve drivers under the influence of alcohol.
• Social impact: Studies show that alcohol-related accidents generate annual costs of billions of reais for health systems and insurance companies, in addition to causing incalculable losses for affected families.

Read Also:

How does alcohol affect driving?

Alcohol is a substance that profoundly affects the functioning of the brain and body, compromising essential driving skills.

Slowed reflexes, impaired vision, and impaired decision-making are just some of the dangers that accompany drinking alcohol before driving.

Now, let's look at the main physical and cognitive impacts, based on studies and opinions from traffic health and safety experts.

What are the main effects of alcohol when driving?

Alcohol is a silent enemy in traffic, and its effects are felt from the lowest blood concentration levels. BAC, measured in grams of alcohol per liter of blood (g/L), determines the degree of impairment of body and mind functions.

Now, let's understand how different blood alcohol levels affect driving ability and the associated risks.

Effects due to blood alcohol levels

1. 0.2 g/L – Subtle reflections already compromised
   • Body reactions:
     • Light feeling of relaxation.
     • Small reduction in reaction time.
   • Impact on driving:
     • Difficulty judging distances and speeds.
     • Greater chance of errors in unexpected situations, such as intersections or lane changes.
2. 0.5 g/L – Altered perception and reduction of reflections
   • Body reactions:
     • Impaired motor coordination.
     • Decreased peripheral vision (tunnel effect).
   • Impact on driving:
     • Increase in the time needed to brake the vehicle.
     • Errors when calculating curves or maneuvers, such as parking or overtaking.
   • Practical example: A driver with this concentration can take up to 1 second longer to react to a pedestrian crossing, which is equivalent to around 14 meters traveled at 50 km/h before stopping.
3. 0.8 g/L – Severe impairment of motor and cognitive functions
   • Body reactions:
     • Drastic reduction in attention span.
     • Impaired coordination and balance.
   • Impact on driving:
     • Inability to keep the car in the correct lane.
     • High risk of crossing red lights or not understanding traffic signs.
   • Practical example: In a sharp curve, the driver may lose control of the steering wheel due to difficulty coordinating movements.
4. 1.0 g/L or more – Extreme danger
   • Body reactions:
     • Mental confusion and memory lapses.
     • Uncoordinated movements and slurred speech.
   • Impact on driving:
     • Inability to make appropriate decisions.
     • Very high risk of serious or fatal collisions.
   • Practical example: A driver may completely ignore a stop sign, causing a multi-vehicle accident.

Alcohol in control of the car: what could go wrong?

• Braking or accelerating at the wrong times: A drunk driver may confuse the pedals.
• Dangerous overtaking: Impaired judgment can lead to risky maneuvers.
• Driving in a zigzag: Difficulty maintaining linear direction due to impaired motor coordination.

Why are these impacts fatal?

Driving requires the perfect combination of quick reflexes, clear vision and the ability to make accurate decisions.

When alcohol enters the picture, these functions are critically compromised. Even a small error in traffic can have serious consequences, turning a routine journey into a tragedy.

Avoiding driving after drinking alcohol is not only a sensible choice, but a demonstration of respect for one's own life and everyone's safety.

Drinking and driving don't mix: legal and social consequences

Mixing drinking and driving is not just a reckless choice; It is a serious infraction with legal, social and personal repercussions.

The Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) provides for strict punishments for drivers caught under the influence of alcohol, but the impacts go far beyond fines and administrative sanctions.

What the Brazilian traffic code says

Brazil adopts the zero tolerance in relation to alcohol in traffic. Any blood alcohol concentration detected by the breathalyzer may lead to penalties being imposed.

See what the law establishes:

• Fines and points on the CNH:
  • Fine of R$ 2,934.70 (value updated in 2023).
  • 7 points in the wallet, which constitutes a very serious infraction.
• Driver's license suspension:
  • Suspension of the right to drive for 12 months.
  • To regain the license, the driver must undergo a refresher course and reassessment exams.
• Prison sentence:
  • In serious cases, such as accidents with fatal victims or bodily injuries, the driver may be sentenced to up to 8 years in prisonaccording to Law 13,546/2017.

These penalties aim to discourage driving under the influence of alcohol and protect the lives of everyone on the road.

Social impacts: beyond legal punishment

The damages caused by drunk driving are not limited to the sanctions provided for in the CTB. They have repercussions on the driver’s personal, professional and social life.

1. Personal life:
   • Involvement in serious accidents can generate lasting emotional trauma, such as guilt and depression.
   • Relationships with friends and family can be shaken, especially in cases of damage to third parties.
2. Professional career:
   • Suspension of a driver's license can be devastating for anyone who depends on their car for work, such as app drivers, delivery people or sales representatives.
   • Employers may view the infraction as a reflection of irresponsibility, damaging the professional's reputation.
3. Social image:
   • A drinking and driving incident can destroy a person's credibility, especially in social circles or small communities.

Read more:

A choice that saves lives

The devastating effects of mixing drinking and driving are widely known. Traffic should not be a betting field, where every mistake can cost someone their life.

Choose safety, respect the law and avoid putting what is most important at risk.

Conclusion

Making the choice not to mix drinking and driving is an act of responsibility that saves lives. Likewise, protecting your car with reliable insurance is a smart decision to ensure peace of mind and security in any situation.

In today's self-talk, we saw why drinking and driving are a dangerous combination and how awareness can transform traffic into a safer space for everyone.

Just as you do your part to preserve lives, we at Auto Insurancewe do our best to protect your vehicle.

We are a company regulated and inspected by SUSEP, offering flexible and personalized insurance plans to meet your needs. If you have questions or would like to make a pricewe are ready to help with transparency and trust.

Did you like the content? Share with friends and family or get in touch to find out how we can protect your vehicle.

Get your quote now on the Seguro Auto portal and guarantee the care you and your car deserve.

As road safety and insurance specialist Dr. Dirceu Rodrigues Alves Júnior says:
“Protecting lives and vehicles is more than a choice; It is a responsibility that guarantees the future.”