What might a driver do if they are impaired and instructed to respond to questions?

A driver who is impaired might provide incorrect information when responding to questions because their cognitive abilities and judgment are compromised. Impairment can affect memory, critical thinking, and the ability to process information accurately. As such, in a high-stress situation like a traffic stop, an impaired individual may not remember the details of their driving situation, such as their own blood alcohol content or the events leading up to the stop. This could result in unintentionally giving wrong answers to the officer’s questions, which can complicate the situation further.

Remaining silent may be a strategy some drivers employ; however, it also could be interpreted in various ways, depending on the scenario. Similarly, answering questions quickly or agreeing with everything could present an attempt to appear compliant but would not necessarily reflect the truth or reality of the situation. The critical aspect to understand is that impairment affects the ability to communicate effectively, increasing the likelihood of giving incorrect information.