Justin Timberlake arrested for drunken driving: Experts reveal why you shouldn’t drink alcohol and get behind the wheel

American singer-actor Justin Timberlake was arrested on charges of drinking and driving by the Sag Harbour police early Tuesday. The Friends with Benefits actor claimed he had only one martini, said a report by CNN. Police reports revealed that the 43-year-old reeked of alcohol, refused to take a breathalyzer test thrice, besides running a stop sign.

While the law has laid down that 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood is permissible in the United States of America and the United Kingdom, in India, the count reduces to 30mg.

Indianexpress.com spoke to clinical experts and found out what exactly happens to the body when you sit behind a wheel intoxicated, and what are the ways to mitigate risks like these.

Impact of alcohol on the human body while driving

Dr Saurabh Mehta, consultant physician and diabetologist, Prempushp Hospital, Gannaur, Sonepat, explained that alcohol increases a person’s reaction time and reduces their inhibitions.

“Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant which affects neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly gama- aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. By enhancing the effects of GABA, alcohol increases feeling of relaxation and reduces anxiety, leading to lower inhibitions,” he said.

“Simultaneously, it decreases the activity of glutamate, which slows down brain function and impair cognitive processes. This combination results in delayed reaction times, impaired judgments and reduced coordination,” he added.

“Alcohol consumption affects motor skills, balance, and visual acuity, making it difficult to perform tasks that require precision and concentration. Impaired judgment can lead to risky decision-making, and decreased coordination can result in loss of vehicle control,” shared Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant & HOD – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.

While the law has laid down that 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood is permissible in US and UK, closer home the count reduces to only 30mg in India. (Source: Freepik)

Is the permissible amount of alcohol safe while driving?

Mehta shared that the amount is safe and does not have a negative impact. “Alcohol is present in consumables – such as cough medicines,” said.

The breathalyzer limit is set to balance legal enforcement with public safety; however, some level of impairment may still occur at even these approved levels. Rajamanya said that at times, small blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) can affect driving skills negatively, thus suggesting that “legal” does not always mean “safe”.

Negative consequences associated with drinking and driving include accidents, injuries and even deaths, she listed out. Legal consequences include fines, license suspensions as well as imprisonments. Moreover, it could lead drivers and victims into long-term emotional and financial issues, Rajamanya said.

For individuals struggling with drinking and driving, comprehensive support is crucial.

Rajamanya recommended inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs, individual or group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). “Tailored interventions based on individual needs are essential for effective recovery and prevention,” she said.

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