As traffic safety challenges persist worldwide, understanding the impact of alcohol impairment on driver behavior remains a critical research imperative. This presentation explores the multifaceted issue of driving under the influence (DUI), guided by experimental insights from high-fidelity simulation studies. We begin with a global overview of DUI legislation and statistics, emphasizing the alcohol-related crashes, which account for more than 20% of all road traffic fatalities. We then delve into the use of advanced simulators in DUI studies. Through a rigorous, medically supervised research protocol, we investigate the physiological and behavioral effects of alcohol intoxication on driving performance. The session highlights the science of impairment, detailing how alcohol disrupts reaction times, motor coordination, decision-making, and visual acuity, and presents the structured approach and ethical considerations in conducting DUI research.

In this session, you will gain insights into:

• Latest DUI legislation
• The neurological and physiological effects of alcohol that compromise driving performance
• The structure, safety, and ethical conduct of DUI simulation research
• Key findings, limitations, and future research directions for understanding and mitigating DUI-related risks