Which characteristic is indicative of impaired motor coordination while intoxicated?

The characteristic indicative of impaired motor coordination while intoxicated is difficulty lighting a cigarette or counting money. This stems from the fact that alcohol consumption affects various cognitive functions and motor skills, which can hinder a person's ability to perform tasks that require fine motor coordination and dexterity.

When a person is intoxicated, their ability to execute precise movements is compromised, leading to challenges with activities that require hand-eye coordination, such as lighting a cigarette or counting money accurately. This loss of coordination can result in clumsiness or awkward movements, which are clear signs of impairment.

In contrast, successfully counting money swiftly or reaching for items with precision would suggest intact motor coordination, which is contrary to the effects of intoxication. Slightly swaying while standing still, while it may indicate some level of impairment, is less specific and could also occur for reasons unrelated to motor coordination, such as balance issues influenced by other factors. Therefore, the focus on difficulty in handling tasks that require fine motor skills clearly points to the effects of intoxication on motor coordination.