There's evidence that light to moderate alcohol consumption can improve memory and cognition. Though more research needs to be done, some studies have found that moderate drinkers do better on certain tests of memory and cognition than nondrinkers and heavy drinkers [sources: Victoroff, Minerd]. There may be some long-term effects as well. A French study that followed almost 4,000 people over the age of 65 found that light drinkers, who consumed up to two glasses of wine a day, were 45 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than nondrinkers [source: Victoroff].

Who are we to argue?

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – People who suffer a traumatic brain injury from a car crash or other mishap are more apt to survive if they had been drinking at the time of the injury, according to a study published Monday.

The finding "raises the intriguing possibility" that giving alcohol to brain injured patients may improve outcome, the study team suggests in the Archives of Surgery.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090922/hl_ ... ain_injury

i'll say this much for every accident scene i've been to, the one who is drunk doesn't end up injured especially if they are the ones who are driving. they seem to always walk away from the scene.

I've been told it's because their body is in a more relaxed state due to the alcohol.

Both observations are true. The whole 'body being relaxed' thing has some merit, but not a ton depending on the wreck.

I've seen some mangled cars that nobody had any business walking away from without something broken, and an intoxicated driver standing there without a scratch.

It's quite sickening how often that happens. You would be surprised.

It's also probably why they're in the car crash to begin with...