American Safety Council Defensive Driving Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Test Prep

When alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach, its absorption into the bloodstream is significantly accelerated. This is primarily due to the lack of food in the stomach, which would normally slow down the absorption process. As a result, people often experience a stronger effect from alcohol, feeling its impairing effects more intensely and quickly. Furthermore, consuming alcohol without food can lead to a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) more rapidly, increasing the risk of intoxication. This heightened effect can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, which underscores the importance of being mindful of what and when you eat in relation to alcohol consumption.