Alcohol separating myth from fact Published Aug. 21, 2007 81st Training Wing safety office KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Misconceptions about alcohol and its effects on safe driving are widespread. Knowing the truth may mean the difference between life and death. Myth: Alcohol is a stimulant. Fact: Alcohol is a depressant. It acts on the nervous system like an anesthetic to lower or depress the activity of your brain. Myth: Drinking coffee sobers you up. Fact: Coffee can't rid your system of alcohol. It just makes you a nervous, wide-awake drunk. Only time re-verses impairment. Myth: Stay away from the hard stuff and you'll be OK. Fact: Alcohol is alcohol. Beer has the same effect as straight scotch. One 12-ounce beer has as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey or a 5-ounce glass of wine. Myth: Big people can handle- liquor better. Fact: Size is only one factor in how much you can drink. Metabolism, amount of rest and food intake all play a part in how you handle liquor. Impairment in motor reflexes and judgment can begin with the first drink. Myth: Once you roll down the car window, you're OK. Fact: No amount of fresh, cold air can reverse impairment. You gain nothing by rolling down a window or turning on the air conditioner. Myth: Just drive slower. Fact: Many people do, believing they actually compensate for being impaired by creeping along at 22 mph. This can be very dangerous. Others race along at 75 mph. The truth is, impaired drivers are unsafe at any speed. Myth: All you have to do is splash cold water on your face. Fact: Splash all you like. You can even take a cold shower. It may make you cleaner, but it won't sober you up or make you a safe driver. Myth: A drink or two makes you a better driver. Fact: Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgment and put you and others on the road at risk of death or disabling injury.