Drunk driving is one of the biggest threats to road safety in South Africa. Research* from Arrive Alive indicates that 50% of people who die on the roads have a alcohol concentration of more than 0,05 grams per 100 millilitres of blood.
It is with this in mind that Hyundai Automotive South Africa encourages South Africans to adopt the habit of nominating a “DG” – short for a designated driver. By educating friends and family, South Africans can work together to lower the number of road accidents and deaths.
People will often nominate someone who is the “least drunk” to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. This is dangerous, because you will still be exposed to the risk of an intoxicated driver, and place other passengers and road users’ lives in danger.
When selecting a designated driver, consider the following:
• Avoid appointing someone who is rarely sober to be your designated driver. Choose someone who you know will get you and your friend’s home safely and who will remain sober for the evening.
• Larger groups should have more than one designated driver
• Take turns being the designated driver on different occasions, so it is not always the same person who is responsible.
• The designated driver must collect everyone’s keys before any drinking begins. This will avoid any confrontation under uncomfortable circumstances.
• If you are unable to secure a designated driver, remember that there are always ways to get home safely without getting behind the wheel. Call a cab or a service that can drive your own car home – there are many of these in South Africa.
Remember: One drunk driver could negatively impact the lives of many people. Before you go out with your friends or family, get into the habit of discussing who will be driving home and volunteer to be the designated driver too, to ensure that you and your friends can have a great night out, while still making it home safely.
Also view: