For the study, nine test subjects conducted a series of simulated drives while connected to a brain-scanning device and after consuming drinks aimed at raising their blood alcohol level to 0.04 or 0.08. For some runs, participants were given a drink that contained only a trace of alcohol but served in a glass that reeked of booze.

According to the study, the first drink slightly impaired gross motor skills, making it harder for drivers to stay in their lane. The second drink resulted in a significant decline in motor functioning, making it harder for drivers to realize that they were heading for a ditch.

"People were less aware of the consequences of their actions after the second drink. They were poor judges of their deteriorating skills," said Dr. Godfrey Pearlson, who co-authored the study with Dr. Vince Calhoun.

The study is published in the November 2004 issue of the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

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