What can impair fitness to drive?

In Germany, driving fitness is influenced by various factors that can impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Fatigue can lead to decreased alertness and slower reaction times, which increases the risk of accidents. Alcohol and other intoxicants significantly impair judgment, coordination, and response times, making them critical to address under German law. Certain medicines can also have side effects that negatively impact driving abilities, such as drowsiness or lack of concentration.

Recognizing all three factors—fatigue, intoxicants, and certain medicines—as impairing driving fitness is essential for maintaining road safety. German traffic regulations emphasize the need for drivers to be fully aware of their condition before getting behind the wheel, as driving while impaired can lead to severe penalties and endanger both the driver and others on the road.