What is one effect of alcohol on driving performance?

Alcohol has a significant impact on various cognitive and physical abilities that are crucial for driving. One of the main effects of alcohol is a delay in reaction time. When a person consumes alcohol, their central nervous system becomes depressed, which impairs the brain's ability to process information and respond quickly to stimuli. This means that if a driver needs to react swiftly to a sudden obstacle or a change in traffic conditions, their ability to do so is compromised, leading to a greater risk of accidents.

In contrast, the other options suggest improvements or enhancements in a driver's abilities, which are not accurate. Alcohol does not increase concentration; instead, it often leads to impaired judgment and decreased focus. Similarly, alcohol does not enhance motor skills; rather, it can cause issues with coordination and balance. The idea that alcohol enables an individual to multitask effectively is also misleading, as intoxication typically hinders one’s ability to manage more than one task properly at a time. Thus, the impact of alcohol on reaction time is a critical understanding for safe driving practices.