What is the primary effect of alcohol on driving ability?

The primary effect of alcohol on driving ability is the impairment of motor skills. When an individual consumes alcohol, it affects the central nervous system, leading to decreased coordination, slowed reflexes, and diminished ability to make quick decisions. These impairments can significantly hinder a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely, as driving requires complex movements and the ability to react swiftly to various driving conditions.

Understanding this critical impact highlights why driving under the influence of alcohol poses severe risks, not just to the individual who's drinking, but to other road users as well. Impaired motor skills can result in erratic driving behaviors, increased likelihood of accidents, and difficulties in performing tasks such as steering, braking, and following traffic signals.

In contrast, other options suggest effects that do not accurately represent the impact of alcohol consumption on driving. For instance, the notion that alcohol improves reaction time or enhances focus is fundamentally incorrect, as both are negatively affected by alcohol intake. Additionally, while alcohol can induce feelings of fatigue, its primary detrimental impact in the context of driving is the impairment of motor skills.