Step 3 » GENERAL learning environment Category B (B, B1)

The consumption of alcohol, even in small quantities, affects thinking, reactions and self-control. This can lead to adopting a risky manner of driving, such as underestimating dangers, neglecting traffic rules or assuming dangerous manoeuvres. At the same time, alcohol can induce a state of excessive relaxation or a false confidence in one's own abilities, which reduces the capacity of the driver of the vehicle to react quickly and adequately in critical situations.

The effects of alcohol on the driver of the vehicle:

1. decrease of the level of concentration: The attention of the driver of the vehicle is diminished, which affects the observation of traffic and the reaction to unexpected events;
2. wrong evaluation of distances and speeds: The driver of the vehicle can perceive incorrectly the position of the other vehicles or their travelling speed;
3. disruption of reasoning: The decisions of the driver of the vehicle become irrational and dangerous;
4. increase of reaction time: Decisions are delayed, which can lead to accidents;
5. decrease of reflexes and precision: The fine motor skills of the driver of the vehicle are affected, which makes manoeuvring the vehicle difficult;
6. underestimation of risks: The dangers in traffic are ignored or treated superficially.

The stages of alcohol consumption:

• the first stage: the driver of the vehicle has a false impression of confidence and believes that he can control the vehicle better than usual;
• the second stage: confusion appears, and the manoeuvring of the vehicle becomes unstable, with zigzag travelling;
• the third stage: the driver of the vehicle completely loses the capacity to control the vehicle.

The relation between blood alcohol concentration and the risk of accidents:

The correct answer is: A