What is the primary cause of impaired driving?

The primary cause of impaired driving is alcohol and drugs, as they significantly affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Both substances can impair cognitive functions and motor skills, leading to slower reaction times, decreased coordination, and impaired judgment. Statistics consistently show that a substantial percentage of traffic accidents involve drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

While late-night driving can contribute to impaired driving incidents due to factors like fatigue or reduced visibility, it is not the root cause itself; rather, it can be an environment where impaired driving is more likely to occur. Weather conditions can affect driving safety too, such as rain or snow making roads slippery; however, these are not direct factors of impairment. Vehicle malfunction may lead to driving difficulties but is unrelated to impairment caused by substances. Therefore, alcohol and drugs stand out as the leading cause of impairment in driving situations, leading to increased risks on the road.