Drunken Walking Can Be Deadly, Especially on New Year’s Day

Drinking and driving is a much-publicized, dangerous combination, but is walking after drinking any safer? “No, alcohol impairs your physical ability, period,” says trauma surgeon Dr. Thomas Esposito at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Ill. “Every movement ranging from driving a car to simply walking to the bathroom is compromised,” Esposito said. “Alcohol impairs your judgment, reflexes and coordination. Alcohol is nothing more than a socially acceptable, over-the-counter stimulant/depressant and, especially during the holidays, alcohol is frequently abused.”