Norbert Hofer, a former transport minister and current MP, was tested by police with 2.48 permille alcohol in his blood after driving. This incident raises questions about how someone with such a high blood alcohol content can still operate a vehicle and what impairments result. Neurologist Florian Deisenhammer explains that alcohol primarily affects the cerebellum, responsible for coordination, leading to unsteadiness, slurred speech, and impaired reactions. It also impacts higher cognitive functions like judgment and foresight. Alcohol tolerance is largely genetic, influenced by enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), but body composition also plays a role, with women generally tolerating alcohol less well than men. Deisenhammer stresses that driving is unreliable even at 0.5 permille, making 2.5 permille an "exceptionally strong impairment."