From the ArcaMax Publishing, Health & Fitness Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/healthtips/s-346421-232982
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (UPI) -- A study of U.S. college students found
that binge drinkers, even when legally intoxicated, believe they have
adequate driving abilities.
"Binge drinkers are individuals who, when they drink, typically drink
to get drunk," first author Cecile A. Marczinski of Northern Kentucky
University said in a statement.
Twemty male and 20 female social-drinking college students -- 24 binge
drinkers, 16 non-binge drinkers -- ages 21 to 29 participated in the
study. All participants attended two sessions: one during which they
received a moderate dose of alcohol, 0.65 g/kg, and one during which
they received a placebo.
Following each session/dose, researchers measured the students'
performance during a simulated driving task, and also measured their
subjective responses, including ratings of sedation, stimulation and
driving abilities.
"After being given an intoxicating dose of alcohol, all of these
individuals -- both binge and non-binge drinkers -- were very poor
drivers when tested on a driving simulator," Marczinski said.
"However, when all of the participants are asked to rate their driving
ability, the binge drinkers reported that they had a greater ability
to drive compared to the non-binge drinkers."
The findings are scheduled to be published in the July issue of
Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research and is available online.