37.28. How does alcohol affect the driver's reaction time?
UAЯк впливає алкоголь на час реакції водія?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety and the psychophysiological state of the driver. In real driving conditions, the ability to quickly notice danger, assess the traffic situation, and promptly take action (braking, maneuvering, changing lanes) is crucial. Alcohol and driving are incompatible because even slight intoxication reduces attention and perception accuracy, and every extra fraction of a second at speed turns into additional meters before braking begins and increases the risk of an accident.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules regarding the driver's duties and prohibitions, in particular the requirement to be attentive and respond in a timely manner to changes in the situation (clause 2.3) and the direct prohibition of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that reduce attention and reaction speed (clause 2.9). The theoretical exam often focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship: if reaction speed decreases, the time needed to respond naturally becomes longer.
The analysis of the options in this ticket is simple, but it is important not to confuse the terms. The statement that alcohol does not affect reaction time contradicts the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and basic physiology: ethanol slows down the nervous system, impairs coordination and decision-making. The idea that reaction time decreases is also incorrect: under the influence of alcohol, the driver usually notices danger later and takes longer to act, even if they subjectively feel confident. That is why the correct conclusion is that reaction time increases, which explains the strict prohibition of driving under the influence in the traffic rules.
Clause 2.9 (subclause "a")
The driver is prohibited from: a) driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants, or under the influence of medicinal products that reduce attention and reaction speed.
This clause directly links alcohol consumption to a decrease in reaction speed (that is, to an increase in the time required for the driver to respond).
Clause 2.3 (subclause "a")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: a) be attentive, monitor the traffic situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the proper placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving while on the road.
This clause establishes the driver's duty to respond to changes in the traffic situation in a timely and adequate manner; alcohol interferes with this because it reduces reaction speed.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Reaction time increases," given that, by the definition of the Traffic Rules, driving under the influence is prohibited precisely because it reduces attention and reaction speed, and thus requires more time to respond to changes in the traffic situation.
While driving, the driver constantly perceives information (signs, markings, maneuvers of others, pedestrians), evaluates it, and makes decisions: to slow down, avoid an obstacle, stop, or change lanes. The driver's reaction time is the interval from the moment a danger appears to the start of an action (pressing the brakes, turning the steering wheel, etc.). On the road, this time is critically important because events develop quickly.
Alcohol disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system: attention decreases, speed and distance are judged worse, thinking and decision-making slow down, and coordination of movements deteriorates. Because of this, the driver notices danger later and takes longer to "gather" themselves to act correctly, even if they feel they are in control of the situation.
In a practical example, it looks like this: a pedestrian suddenly steps onto a crosswalk or the car in front brakes sharply. A sober driver almost immediately moves their foot to the brake pedal, while after consuming alcohol, this same step takes more time. Even an extra fraction of a second at speed turns into additional meters of braking distance, which directly increases the risk of an accident.
This is why the Traffic Rules include the principle of safety: the driver must be able to respond in a timely manner to changes in the road situation, and driving under the influence is incompatible with this requirement because it objectively slows reactions.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Reaction time increases," since alcohol slows down brain function, impairs attention and coordination, and the driver needs more time to notice danger and begin the necessary action.