Experimental Basis of Alcohol-Induced Psychomotor Performance Impairment

This chapter describes how the effects of alcohol (ethanol) on human performance were probably first observed when it was discovered that fruits left for a period of time developed an unusual odor and flavor and their consumption led to sensory and behavioral changes. The effects of alcohol ingestion continue to be described with a variety of ambiguous terms such as “drunk,” “intoxicated,” “under the influence,” “inebriated,” “tipsy,” “wacked,” and other equally colorful terms that are easily understood in social settings. It is generally accepted that the ingestion of alcohol produces decrements in human performance above a certain blood alcohol content (BAC) and that number varies between individuals. Describing the effects of alcohol in terms of psychomotor performance impairment for medial and legal purposes becomes more complex because it is necessary to relate theses effects to a specific adverse event that could also readily occur without the presence of alcohol.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9781933264585
• Corporate Authors:

  Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company, Incorporated

  P.O. Box 30040
  Tucson, AZ  United States  85751-0040
• Authors:
  • Manno, Joseph E
  • Manno, Barbara R
  • Ferslew, Kenneth E
• Publication Date: 2008

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Fifth
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 347-378
• Monograph Title: Garriott's Medicolegal Aspects of Alcohol

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alcohol effects; Alcohol tests; Alcohol use; Drunk driving; Highway safety; Human factors in crashes; Impaired drivers; Intoxication; Motor skills
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01164896
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9781933264585
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 16 2010 9:11AM