Alcohol primarily impairs the ability to perform which of the following tasks?

Alcohol primarily impairs the ability to divide attention among tasks. This is because alcohol affects cognitive functioning, particularly in terms of processing multiple sources of information simultaneously. When an individual is under the influence of alcohol, their capacity to multitask diminishes significantly, which can lead to slower reaction times, missed cues, and an overall decrease in situational awareness.

Dividing attention is crucial in activities such as driving, where a person must monitor the road, assess other vehicles, and respond to pedestrians all at once. Alcohol compromises this multitasking ability, leading to an increased risk of accidents and poor decision-making. Therefore, the correct answer highlights a fundamental aspect of how alcohol impairs mental processes essential for safe and effective task performance.