Which of the following is a common sign of alcohol impairment?

An unsteady gait is a classic sign of alcohol impairment and indicates that an individual may be struggling to maintain balance and coordination, which are directly affected by alcohol consumption. When alcohol is consumed, it depresses the central nervous system, impairing motor skills and the ability to walk steadily. This lack of coordination can become evident as difficulty in walking or maintaining stability while standing.

In contrast, other options reflect behaviors that are not typical of someone under the influence. Rapid speech may occur in certain situations, but it does not consistently indicate impairment; it could also be a result of excitement or anxiety. Clear and coherent conversation suggests cognitive functioning is intact, which is usually not the case with significant alcohol impairment. Focused behavior can also indicate a reliable cognitive state, which contradicts the effects of alcohol. Therefore, unsteady gait stands out as a definitive physical sign of impairment caused by alcohol consumption.