Effects of Alcohol on Simulated Driving

The Effects of Five Dosages of Ethanol on Simulated Driving Performance and Event-Related Potentials

Previous studies have shown that alcohol significantly impairs driving performance. Acute alcohol administration also has a detrimental effect on secondary task performance during dual-tasks. The present study will investigate the effects of five different dosages of ethanol (0,0.2, 0,5, 0,8 and 1,0 % BAC) on performance in a driving simulator. Steering performance and brain activity will be recorded in both single- and dual-task conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• He/she is aged between 21-50
• Written informed consent
• Right-handed
• Normal static binocular acuity, corrected or uncorrected
• Normal hearing
• Social Drinker (average of 7 to 21 alcoholic drinks per week)
• Possession of a drivers license
• Be considered as reliable and mentally capable of adhering to the protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current drug use (positive urine drug screen on the presence of amphetamines (including MDMA), barbiturates, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and opiates)
• Positive urine pregnancy drug screen in women
• Use of psychoactive medication
• Positive alcohol breath test
• Prior enrolment in the same study
• Physical or mental illness
• Excessive alcohol use (>21 alcoholic drinks per week)
• Excessive smoking (more than 10 cigarettes per day)
• Intake of caffeine-containing beverages over 5 glasses per day