UN rights chief Volker Turk voiced concerns about China's so-called 'ethnic unity' law, saying it could restrict freedom of religion and culture.
Had a couple of drinks, but still think you’re sober enough to drive yourself home? Alcohol actually impairs the part of your brain that judges your level of sobriety first, so you’re unable to judge yourself accurately.
— Filepic The rising cases of driving under the influence incidents in Malaysia is not merely a legal crisis, it is a public health emergency. Understanding the “neurological hijacking” that occurs during intoxication is vital for every driver.While alcohol is the most commonly associated culprit, DUI also includes impairment by illegal drugs, prescription medications and over-the-counter substances.Alcohol, for instance, is rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream and requires the liver to filter it at a rate of roughly one standard drink per hour. If you consume substances faster than your body can metabolise them, your cognitive functions collapse.Driving or riding a motorbike requires the coordination of several brain regions.Blood alcohol concentration 0.02% : Minor relaxation – the prefrontal cortex slows down, leading to a slight loss of judgement and declined visual tracking.: Lowered alertness – the cerebellum is affected, reducing coordination and steering precision.It becomes difficult to detect danger and reaction time to hazards is delayed.At higher levels, an individual may experience total loss of balance and severe oculomotor impairment. This level induces “cognitive blindness”, where the brain can no longer synthesise sensory input into actionable data.Biological make-upFood Eating before drinking slows the absorption of alcohol into the small intestine, preventing a rapid spike in blood levels.“Holding your liquor” is a neuro-adaptation; it does not protect the brain from toxin-induced impairment.The most dangerous effect is the disruption of the brain’s “start-stop” circuitry. The “Go” system seeks reward, while the “No-Go” system acts as the brain’s braking mechanism.Once this “brake” is offline, a driver becomes neurologically incapable of accurately assessing their own impairment. Apart from alcohol, various substances can severely impair the cognitive and sensory functions required for safe driving: Stimulants – these can lead to impulsive, aggressive driving and a dangerous overestimation of one’s abilities. Depressants and opioids – these cause extreme drowsiness, slowed reaction times and “nodding off” at the wheel. Cannabis – this impairs spatial orientation, time perception and the ability to maintain a steady lane position.Because the part of your brain required to judge your sobriety is the very part that impairment disables first, you cannot trust your “feeling” of being sober. When we weigh the cost of a ride-sharing service against the consequences of a DUI, the math is simple.The choice to book a ride isn’t just a legal precaution; it is a rational act of self-preservation.Associate Professor Dr Jayakumar Murthy is an addiction neuroscientist at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice.does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article.disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US to counter China’s critical minerals dominance with ‘game-changing’ innovationsMarch 12 (Reuters) - Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was bought by Sunrisers Leeds for 190,000 pounds ($254,201.00) in the men's auction for The Hundred on Thursday, despite media reports that Indian-owned teams might avoid signing cricketers from Pakistan.
Read more »
OPPO and OnePlus to Increase Smartphone Prices in ChinaOPPO and OnePlus are set to raise prices on some of their smartphones in China, starting March 16th, 2026. This move, affecting the K and A series, follows a trend seen across the industry, with brands like vivo, Xiaomi, iQOO, and HONOR also planning adjustments. The price hikes are reportedly due to rising memory costs, potentially impacting both new and older models. The adjustments currently apply only to the Chinese market.
Read more »
US starts trade probe into China, EU amid Trump’s tariffs revivalThis move formally kicks off the administration’s effort to rebuild US president Donald Trump’s tariff wall after the Supreme Court ruling.
Read more »
Politics hits the stands as Taiwan face China in Women’s Asian Cup quarter-finalMELBOURNE, March 13 — Taiwan and China will battle tomorrow in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Asian Cup where geopolitical strains have found their way to the terraces and...
Read more »
PGA rampas 45,000 tan kaolin haram bernilai RM6.26 jutaEnam individu ditahan melibatkan warga tempatan, China, Indonesia dan Bangladesh.
Read more »
China Coach Urges Calm and Confidence Ahead of Women's Asian Cup Quarter-FinalChina's coach, Ante Milicic, emphasizes the importance of composure and self-belief as his team prepares for a challenging quarter-final match against Taiwan in the Women's Asian Cup. He acknowledges Taiwan's improved performance and the need to stick to the game plan. The article also touches upon the political context surrounding Taiwan's participation and the controversy involving their former coach.
Read more »