Which substances can impair your ability to drive?

The correct answer identifies that alcohol, drugs, and certain medications can all impair your ability to drive. Each of these substances affects cognitive functions, coordination, and reaction times, which are critical for safe driving.

Alcohol is well-known for its effects on judgment and motor skills. It decreases a driver's ability to react quickly to changes in traffic conditions and impairs decision-making.

Illegal drugs can also significantly impair driving ability. Many illicit drugs can distort perception, impair judgment, and affect concentration, all of which are essential for safe operation of a vehicle.

Furthermore, certain legal medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, can cause drowsiness or other side effects that may impair driving. For example, some antihistamines or sedatives can reduce alertness and slow reaction times, similar to the effects of alcohol and illegal drugs.

Recognizing that driving requires full cognitive and physical capability is crucial, which is why the combination of these substances is important to consider when assessing driving safety.