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Alton Today
By the People, for the People
Even Small Amounts of Alcohol Can Impair Driving, Warns Doctor
Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene explains how alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, and attention before reaching legal BAC limits.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:34pm
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Neon-lit visuals highlight how even small amounts of alcohol can impair critical driving functions.Alton TodayAccording to Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene, a physician with experience in primary care, hospital medicine, and military service, even small amounts of alcohol can impair critical driving skills like judgment, reaction time, and attention, increasing the risk of accidents. He explains that blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are legal thresholds, not indicators of safe driving ability, and that alcohol can affect decision-making early on, making it harder to respond to sudden changes on the road. Dr. Greene emphasizes that the safest choice is to avoid driving altogether when alcohol is involved, regardless of how 'fine' one feels.
Why it matters
This story highlights the importance of understanding how even low levels of alcohol consumption can compromise driving abilities, which is crucial information for public safety. It challenges the common assumption that as long as someone doesn't appear visibly intoxicated, they are still safe to drive. Dr. Greene's expertise provides valuable insights into the subtle ways alcohol can impair critical driving skills, underscoring the need for greater awareness and responsible decision-making when it comes to driving under the influence.
The details
Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene explains that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving skills, including judgment, reaction time, and attention, before a person reaches the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit. He notes that BAC limits are legal thresholds, not indicators of safe driving ability, and that alcohol can affect decision-making early on, making it harder for drivers to accurately judge speed, distance, and traffic conditions. Reduced reaction time and weakened focus can also make it more difficult to respond to sudden changes on the road. Dr. Greene emphasizes that the safest choice is to avoid driving altogether when alcohol is involved, regardless of how 'fine' one feels.
- Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene has served in roles ranging from primary care physician to hospitalist, while also working as a medical director and collaborating physician across multiple healthcare organizations.
The players
Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene
A physician with a career in medicine that spans clinical practice, military service, and collaborative care. He has served in roles ranging from primary care physician to hospitalist, while also working as a medical director and collaborating physician across multiple healthcare organizations. His experience includes providing care in forensic psychiatric settings and serving as a military physician in the United States Air Force Reserve.
What they’re saying
“Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving skills, including judgment, reaction time, and attention.”
— Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene, Physician
“Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are legal thresholds, not indicators of safe driving ability.”
— Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene, Physician
“Alcohol can affect decision-making early, increasing the risk of misjudging speed, distance, and traffic conditions.”
— Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene, Physician
“Reduced reaction time and weakened focus can make it harder to respond to sudden changes on the road.”
— Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene, Physician
“The safest choice is to avoid driving altogether when alcohol is involved, regardless of how 'fine' one feels.”
— Dr. Phillip Jeffrey Greene, Physician
The takeaway
This story highlights the importance of understanding how even small amounts of alcohol can compromise critical driving skills, challenging the common assumption that as long as someone doesn't appear visibly intoxicated, they are still safe to drive. Dr. Greene's expertise underscores the need for greater awareness and responsible decision-making when it comes to driving under the influence, as even subtle impairments can increase the risk of accidents and endanger public safety.