Effects of low alcohol dosages : a review of the literature.

Author(s)
Krüger, H.-P.
Year
Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on the effects of low alcohol doses, and attempts to overcome the defects of previous reviews. A new classification system is proposed, which first distinguishes between subjective and objective features. Subjective features are subdivided into: (1) main effects, including positive mood and social feelings; (2) side effects, including feeling intoxicated. Objective effects are subdivided into: (1) performances, including automatic and controlling behaviour, and driving; (2) physiological and psychological functions; (3) interactive behaviour, including social and expressive behaviour. The material and methodology of the literature review are presented. Some results are reviewed on the `social window' of alcohol action and the objective effects of alcohol, including performance impairment. The following effects on performance are discussed: (1) psychophysical functions; (2) automatic processing; (3) control actions; (4) effects on driving; (5) modification of effect by time after drinking. Some consequences for legislation are indicated. The review shows that important psychophysical functions, including driving, are probably generally endangered only for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of at least 0.07% to 0.08%. For any BAC below this limit, there are many functions and conditions where no noticeable impairment occurs.

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Publication

Library number
C 10419 (In: C 10387 [electronic version only]) /83 / IRRD 866661
Source

In: Alcohol, drugs and traffic safety : proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety T92, held under the auspices of the International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety ICADTS, Cologne, Germany, 28 September - 2 October 1992, Band 2, p. 763-778, 4 ref.

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This publication is one of our other publications, and part of our extensive collection of road safety literature, that also includes the SWOV publications.