Hungover drivers
Shock reaction times at wheel the morning after a night out
HANGOVERS have a significantly negative impact on our ability to drive – even when no alcohol remains in the body – according to new research.
Scientists from the University of Bath conducted a meta-analysis of 11 existing hangover studies, determining that “sustained attention and driving abilities were impaired during hangover”.
One study indicated reaction times are almost 20 per cent slower in hungover subjects, while another revealed “the ability to control a vehicle, as measured by deviation from a set course, was impaired” following a night of “heavy drinking”.
Lead author Dr Sally Adams told Auto Express hangovers affect two key elements for driving: our capacity to concentrate on one activity for a sustained period of time, and psychomotor skills (our brain’s ability to control physical activities).
Adams explained: “Your body works hard to metabolise alcohol, and produces acetaldehyde as it does so.” And with current research indicating acetaldehyde “mimics the neurological effects of alcohol”, Adams added “it may be time we consider if you have to drive the next day, perhaps a big night the night before isn’t a good idea”.
The current drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, while Scotland sets a 50mg limit. The NHS advises the body typically takes three hours to break down the alcohol in a 250ml glass of wine, and two hours to process a pint of normalstrength beer. But the findings led Adams to consider that “waiting until you blow zero on a police breathalyser might not be enough”.
With some of the metabolites (byproducts produced by the body during digestion) associated with alcohol remaining detectable for up to three days after drinking, Adams added “it’s not beyond the realm of possibility” that hangover detectors could exist in the future. However, as a urine sample, rather than breath, is required to detect these metabolites, roadside ‘hangover tests’ may not be easy to take.
“One study revealed ‘the ability to control a vehicle was impaired’ after heavy drinking”