What are the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly impairs a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. When under the influence, judgment becomes compromised, leading to poor decision-making skills and the inability to gauge various driving situations effectively. Reaction times are also slowed; this can delay the driver's response to sudden changes in traffic conditions or emergencies, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Furthermore, studies and statistics demonstrate that driving under the influence greatly elevates the risk of accidents. This increased crash risk is evident in both frequency and severity of incidents involving impaired drivers. Essentially, when drugs or alcohol are in a driver's system, the capacities required for safe driving—such as concentration, coordination, and the ability to track moving objects—are all diminished, contributing to dangerous driving behavior that jeopardizes the safety of all road users.