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You are excited. You just can't wait to get behind the wheel. Sure you are a little tired, but what does that matter?
Or:
What a great party. It was a great sendoff for a friend leaving for Iraq. And you did a great job of only having two beers (assuming you are old enough). You are are so calm and relaxed.
Now, in either case, should you be driving? Well, it depends. In either case your driving skills are impaired. The amount of impairment will vary from person to person.
If you are going to drive your best, and protect your passengers here are some things to think about:
1. Drugs, legal or illegal can affect your reaction time. At 60 miles per hour you will be traveling at 88 feet per SECOND. Even at 30 miles per hour you travel 44 feet in the time you can say "One, One Thousand". This is why you should stay 2 seconds behind the car in front. (But that will be explained later.)
2. Sleep - you need a good night's sleep in order to drive your best. A lack of sleep can be just as damaging as taking drugs.
3. Physical injuries. - got a sprained ankle or wrist - maybe you should think twice about driving - especially if it means you cannot press on the brake or turn the steering wheel fast enough to avoid an accident.
Now a hangnail should not keep you from driving, nor should taking cold medicine keep you from going to the doctor. However, you have to think every time you get in a car, am I 100% or do I need to pay extra special attention to my driving today?
