How does alcohol consumption impact a driver’s decision-making abilities?

Alcohol consumption significantly impairs a driver’s decision-making abilities. When an individual consumes alcohol, it affects the brain's functioning, specifically in areas responsible for judgment, reasoning, and impulse control. As blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases, cognitive functions decline, leading to poor decision-making, slower reaction times, and a decreased ability to assess risk.

This impairment can result in a driver underestimating the dangers of certain behaviors, such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving too closely to other vehicles. Consequently, an intoxicated driver might take unnecessary risks or fail to recognize hazardous situations altogether, making it crucial for individuals to understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption before getting behind the wheel.

In contrast, the other options suggest that alcohol either enhances decision-making or has no effect, which contradicts extensive research showing that alcohol impairs cognitive functions and leads to poorer judgments.