Myths about Alcohol Myths and Facts about Alcohol and Driving M yths and misconceptions about alcohol and its effects on safe driving are widespread. Knowing the truth may mean the difference between life and death year-round. It acts on the central nervous system like an anesthetic to lower or depress the activity of your brain. It just makes you a nervous, wide-awake drunk. Only time reverses impairment.
Beer has the same effect as straight scotch.
Impairment in motor reflexes and judgment can begin with the first drink. You gain nothing by rolling down a window or turning on the air conditioner. Still others race along at 75 mph. Either extreme can be very dangerous. The truth is impaired drivers are unsafe at any speed.