How does alcohol consumption affect driving ability?

Alcohol consumption has a significant impact on driving ability by impairing key functions essential for safe driving. When alcohol is ingested, it affects the central nervous system, leading to a decline in judgment, which can cause a driver to misjudge situations and make dangerous decisions. This impairment can manifest in overconfidence or underestimating risks.

In addition to judgment, alcohol consumption slows reaction times, meaning that a driver may not respond as quickly to sudden changes in road conditions or to the actions of other drivers. For example, the delay in reflexes can lead to an inability to brake in time to avoid collisions or react to pedestrians crossing the road.

Coordination is also compromised when alcohol is consumed. This affects motor skills, leading to difficulties in steering, maintaining lane position, and executing complex driving maneuvers. An impaired sense of balance or spatial awareness can have grave consequences on the road.

Given these factors, it is clear that alcohol consumption creates a significant risk for drivers, making option C the accurate description of how drinking affects the ability to drive safely.