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1594 – Effects of alcohol hangover on driving performance
- Source :
- European Psychiatry. 28:1
- Publication Year :
- 2013
- Publisher :
- Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2013.
-
Abstract
- Introduction Alcohol hangover is the most commonly experienced next day consequence of heavy drinking. The symptoms experienced during this post-intoxication state develop when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) returns to zero. The feeling of general misery can persist up to 24 h and can significantly affect planned activities and cognitive functioning. Objective To examine the effects of alcohol hangover on driving performance. Methods In N=47 healthy volunteers, driving performance was tested the morning following heavy drinking (alcohol hangover) and on a control day (no alcohol). Subjects performed a standardized 100-km highway driving test in the STISIM driving simulator. Primary outcome measure was the Standard Deviation of Lateral Position (SDLP), i.e. the weaving of the car. In addition, self-reported driving quality and driving style measures were scored. Results Driving performance was significantly worse during alcohol hangover (ΔSDLP = +1.85 cm; p=0.005). Driving impairment during alcohol hangover was supported by subjective measures. During alcohol hangover, driving quality was rated as significantly worse (p=0.0001), less safe, less considerate, less predictable, and less responsible (p=0.001). Subject reported being significantly more tensed during hangover and more effort was needed to perform the driving test (p=0.001). Conclusion Driving is significantly impaired during alcohol hangover. The magnitude of driving impairment is higher than that observed after administering alcohol to achieve a BAC of 0.05% (ΔSDLP = +1.7 cm), i.e. the legal limit for driving in many countries.
Details
- ISSN :
- 09249338
- Volume :
- 28
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- European Psychiatry
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi...........83425a88db19d3a430fbcc9f120e35f2