Which of the following is affected first by drinking alcohol?

Judgement is the first mental function typically affected by drinking alcohol. When someone consumes alcohol, it begins to impair the brain's ability to process information and make decisions. This impairment can lead to poor decision-making and a decreased ability to assess risks or consequences, which is crucial for situations such as driving.

In the context of DUI and risk education, understanding the prioritization of impairment functions is essential, as these can directly influence behaviors that lead to unsafe situations. While coordination, vision, and speech can also be impaired, they typically show signs of impairment after judgement. Therefore, recognizing that judgement is compromised first emphasizes the critical nature of making safe choices regarding alcohol consumption and driving.