The effects of alcohol dosing on driving performance on a closed course and in a driving simulator†

Abstract

The effect of alcohol consumption on driving performance was examined in two studies. In the first, six subjects drove for two hours over a closed-loop, two-lane course. In the second, 12 subjects drove for two hours in a driving simulator. In both studies, target blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) were 000%, 007%, or 0-12%. Multiple measures of vehicle control, tracking and information processing were recorded. In general, the standard deviations of these measures increased as BAC increased. Differences in the results between the two studies were related to differences in facilities (i.e. closed course vs. driving simulator).

Keywords:

• Alcohol intoxication
• Traffic accidents
• Drug effects
• Automobile
• driving
• Psychomotor performance

Notes

†A study carried out as contract DOT-HS-9-02085 from the U.S.D.O.T. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to Calspan Corporation, Buffalo, New York

Additional information

Notes on contributors

THOMAS A. RANNEY

This study was done while at Calspan Corporation, Buffalo, New York.