Which of the following is a common symptom of impairment?

Slowed reactions are a well-documented symptom of impairment, particularly in the context of alcohol or drug influence. When an individual is impaired, their cognitive and motor functions are adversely affected, leading to a delay in the time it takes for them to respond to stimuli. This can manifest in various situations, such as difficulty in decision-making, slower reflexes when responding to traffic signals while driving, or a general lag in physical movement and coordination. This impairment can significantly increase the risk of accidents or poor judgment due to these delayed responses, which is why it is a critical indicator during assessments like the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test. Being aware of slowed reactions is crucial for law enforcement and professionals assessing an individual’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.