What effect does driving under the influence have on driving skills?

Driving under the influence has a profound impact on essential driving skills, notably impairing judgment and coordination. Alcohol and drugs can alter a person's perception of situations, leading to dangerous decisions, such as misjudging distances or speeds. When judgment is compromised, a driver may not accurately assess risks or the actions of other road users.

Coordination is also severely affected; tasks such as steering, braking, and accelerating require a level of motor control that is diminished when a driver is impaired. This can result in delayed reactions to hazardous situations or difficulty in performing simple driving maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

The other options present misconceptions about the effects of driving under the influence. For example, improvements in reaction time are contrary to evidence that shows impairment leads to slower responses. Assuming that there is no effect or that only vision is affected neglects the comprehensive ways in which impairment can disrupt a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Thus, recognizing the significant impairment of judgment and coordination is crucial for promoting safe driving practices.