Driving and flying are common ways of transportation. The impairing effects of alcohol intoxication on driving and flying skills have been extensively studied. It has been shown that driving and flying skills are impaired in a dose-dependent manner. Public health campaigns have drawn attention to the dangers of drunk driving and strict flying rules regarding alcohol use have been established. In contrast, driving and flying during alcohol hangover (i.e., when blood alcohol concentrations are zero) received relatively little scientific attention. The objective of this study was to examine whether driving and flying ability is impaired during alcohol hangover. A literature review was performed to identify all clinical trials that examined the impact of alcohol hangover on driving and flying. The few studies that have been published (N = 11) show that driving performance and flying during alcohol hangover are significantly impaired. Public health campaigns should point at the risks of driving the day after a heavy drinking session and flying regulations should adopt a strict zero alcohol policy. (Author/publisher)
Abstract