How many alcoholic drinks are too many? For older drivers, the answer may be just one.

A recent University of Florida study suggests that the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol may be greater for adults 55 and older.

During the study, two groups of adults consumed alcohol and then operated virtual cars in a simulated environment. Participants in the younger group were 25 through 35. Participants in the older group were between 55 and 70.

They were then randomly assigned to one of three subgroups based on the amount of alcohol they consumed. The participants had either a non-alcoholic drink, a low-dose drink that resulted in a point-zero-four blood alcohol concentration level, or a moderate dose that resulted in a point-zero-six-five. The legal limit is point-zero-eight.

An hour after their drink, participants drove down a three-mile winding road using simulation technology that featured a speedometer, side-view mirrors, a steering wheel, a gas pedal and a brake pedal. It also included a stereo that produced car sounds and two computer monitors on the sides to replicate peripheral images.

The driving test gauged the participants’ ability to stay in the center of their lane and maintain a constant speed. Researchers also noted how rapidly the subjects moved their steering wheel.

Older adults in the moderate-alcohol group steered more poorly and had less consistent driving speeds compared with their younger counterparts.

The research team is studying brain data collected during the simulations to hopefully understand why the older drivers had different brain responses.

In an era in which younger drivers are constantly warned about the dangers of drinking while driving, perhaps older drivers should also take heed. Driving is a dangerous task, and we can never be too safe.