Why might a driver's reaction times slow significantly after consuming alcohol?

When alcohol is consumed, it primarily acts as a central nervous system depressant. This means that it interferes with the brain's normal functioning and impairs cognitive abilities, which includes processing information, making decisions, and reacting to stimuli. Specifically, alcohol affects areas of the brain that control judgment, coordination, and reaction times.

As a person drinks, their cognitive functions become impaired, making it harder to assess situations quickly and accurately. This impairment results in slower reaction times when responding to stimuli on the road, such as traffic signals, pedestrians, or unexpected events. Consequently, the risk of accidents and dangerous driving behavior increases.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the effects of alcohol on driving skills and reaction times. For example, alcohol does not improve coordination or increase alertness; in fact, it has the opposite effect. Understanding the impact of alcohol on reaction times is crucial for safe driving practices and highlights the importance of avoiding alcohol consumption before operating a vehicle.