Abstract
The paper deals with the behaviour of different road users under the influence of alcohol. Special attention is focused on cognition-related changes and their effects on behaviour.
In terms of its theoretical background, the paper follows the hierarchical approach to drivers' behaviour, which describes risky and safe behaviour in the four levels starting from vehicle manoeuvring skills to more general levels as norms, believes and life style. Adaptable and non-adaptable (risky) traffic behaviour is described with respect to different categories of road users.
Cognition-related changes concerning risk assessment and their bearing on behaviour were looked for. It is pointed out that even very small amounts of alcohol may have a significant influence on the decision making of drivers, particularly young ones.
Authors recommend to focus on the traffic safety measures which are aiming to protect the society as a whole rather that measures aimed at individual drivers. All measures should be evidently benefitting to the public health.
Authors highlight absence of effectiveness proves in case of preventive campaigns dealing with traffic safety. It is a review article summarising the state of the art of knowledge in the field.