Why You Are So Often Reminded Not To Drink And Drive
Although legislation allows our courts to impose fines of up to R120 000 as well as long prison sentences, we still have a high incidence of alcohol abuse on our roads. Figures show that about seven per cent of drivers and 14 per cent of pedestrians drink alcohol in excess of the legal limit at night. The consequences of using the road when drunk can be very serious. Apart from the possibility of death or injury, the imposition of a fine and/or prison sentence can leave you with a criminal record. All of us must take responsibility for our own actions. Imagine how you would feel if your child became paralyzed through the irresponsible behaviour of a motorist. The level of alcohol in your blood can depend on many factors, including body size, gender and general health. More than one drink every hour (one glass of wine, one normal beer or one tot of a spirit) will probably put you over the legal limit. You can feel quite sober, and yet have your cognitive function and sight affected. This in turn will affect your ability to drive safely. Even one alcoholic drink doubles the chances of a driver’s involvement in a road crash. The chances of having a crash when your consumption level is at the legal limit are about five times that when sober. Drinking alcohol has equally serious consequences for pedestrians. The vast majority of the 4 000 pedestrians killed on South Africans roads each year are drunk. It is estimated that nearly half the deaths that occur annually on KwaZulu-Natal roads are related to alcohol and drug abuse. This loss of almost 1 000 lives directly affects many thousands more. As a society we need to make sure that our community understands that drinking and driving is unacceptable. We need to raise awareness of the consequences of such behaviour whenever we can. We must act to stop our friends and relatives from driving when drunk. If you are planning to drink alcohol or take drugs, arrange to take a taxi home or get someone to drive you. Ask the victims of drunken driving. They will tell you again and again: drinking and driving don’t mix. They should know.
Related Topic
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ALCOHOL
is a drug that affects the central nervous system, resulting in cognitive
and psychomotor impairment. It is also a drug that is readily available and
socially acceptable ? despite the consequences of its excessive usage. When
consumed irresponsibly, it can heap a huge burden on public health and
welfare, society and the family. Apart from its destructive effects on
family life, it can cause unnecessary death and injury.
