applying your smart driving skills If you plan to drink, decide  ahead of time how you will  get home safely. 104 Alcohol myth Alcohol fact Alcohol won’t affect me as  much if I drink coffee, have  something to eat, or take a cold shower. Only time can sober you up or lower your  blood alcohol content (BAC). Contrary  to popular belief, food, coffee, cold  showers or exercise will not speed up the  elimination of alcohol from your system. Transport Canada states that if you have a  BAC of .08 it takes about six hours for your  body to completely process that alcohol  and return to a BAC of zero. Beer doesn’t affect driving as  much as other alcoholic drinks  do. A glass of beer contains the same amount  of alcohol as a glass of wine or an average  cocktail. In some cases, even small amounts of alcohol can cause a driver to be impaired. Ability Driver’s symptoms Effects on the driver See • tendency to stare  • cannot make eyes take in information quickly  enough • eyes lose reflex abilities  • can be blinded by glare • reduced coordination of images  • sees double  • reduced depth perception • cannot judge distance and speed of other  vehicles • reduced peripheral vision • may not see hazards approaching from the side  Think • reasoning becomes unclear  reduced concentration  • emotional state becomes unstable • thinks mental ability is sharp; however, cannot  make sound driving decisions Do • reduced muscular control • cannot coordinate steering and braking • increased impulsiveness • takes greater risks by speeding or taking chances • reduced coordination • oversteers; brakes late or not at all • slowed reaction time • cannot make turns accurately  cannot react to emergencies quickly