A husband and young father of two children is slumped on a chair at the casualty section of a hospital. He has just been in a car accident, but still too drunk to notice the cuts to his face, and the fact that his entire family has been wiped out. This is why it is so dangerous to drink and drive. No one would like to be in that situation, and fortunately, there appears to be a general awareness that drinking and driving just don’t go together. Stiff sentences are designed to deter people from this serious crime.
SOUTH AFRICA HAD THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF DRUNKEN DRIVING CASES IN 2015
A News24 article refers to a 2015 survey which showed that South Africa had the greatest number of drunk driving accidents at 58%. Canada was next at 34%, with China at an amazing 4%.
WHAT IS THE LEGAL LIMIT OF ALCOHOL IN YOUR BLOOD?
In South Africa, the alcohol level in your blood may not exceed 0.05%. This equates to having more than 350 mL of beer, or a single tot of a spirit such as brandy. Professional drivers may not exceed the limit of 0.02% of alcohol in their blood. Remember that levels of alcohol can stay in your blood for up to 8 hours afterwards.
TAKING A CHANCE – IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?
It’s not worth it at all to take chances by driving under the influence of alcohol. All it takes is a road block and if you are over the limit, you will be arrested. To have a criminal record that could affect your career is not a good thing for anyone. You could get fined as well as go to prison for 2 years.Your driver’s licence could also be suspended. This is a very heavy price to pay for a night out.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU DRINK AND STILL DRIVE?
Ideally, if you know you are going to have a drink, make prior arrangements to catch a taxi or have a sober friend drive you home. But, sometimes, life’s not ideal, and you may find yourself in a situation where you have no choice. You can have one unit of alcohol per hour, based on 10 mL of pure alcohol and an adult body weight of 68 kg. The reason for this rule is that your body can’t detoxify alcohol any faster. Remember though, that if you are a lot lighter than this, you will have to give yourself more time before you get behind the wheel.
WHY IS IT DANGEROUS TO DRINK AND DRIVE?
When you consume alcohol, it quickly enters the blood stream via the lining of the stomach and small intestine. Not all drinks have the same effect on your body – a shot of hard liquor will get you drunk a lot quicker than drinking a beer.
ALCOHOL SLOWS DOWN YOUR REACTIONS
According to the AA,alcohol retards your reaction to situations on the road. It also interferes with your vision. A heavy party the night before can certainly influence your driving the next day. If your alcohol content is at the limit of 0.24 mg/litre air, your chances of having an accident have quadrupled.
According to the Medical Research Council (MRC),40% of those killed on roads have exceeded the legal limit by having 0.08% alcohol in their blood.
SOME EXAMPLES OF UNITS OF ALCOHOL
Below are some examples to help those who have to drive after having had a drink. Bear in mind that one unit of alcohol per hour is allowed.A small (75 mL) glass of wine equates to one unit, but a larger 250-mL glass of wine comprises 3.3 units. A beer makes up 1.25 units or more.
IGNORE VARIOUS MYTHS ON HOW TO SOBER UP
Some myths on how to sober up quickly are having lots of coffee, taking a cold shower, drinking a lot of water, or eating oily fatty foods. You should eat fatty or oily foods before you start to drink.
HOW DO AUTHORITIES ‘LOCATE’ DRUNKEN DRIVERS?
The South African Police Service (SAPS), Metropolitan Police Departments as well as other law-enforcement agencies use official roadblocks to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol. When you are stopped at a roadblock, it’s up to the law enforcement officer to breathalyse you.
You’ve read how dangerous it is to drink and drive. To have your entire life changed by being arrested, and worst of all, by having killed someone, all because of some ‘celebration’ is just not worth it.
Even if you have control over your own driving, what about a drunk driver that skips the lights and ploughs into your new car? Be sure to protect your car with PMD’s affordable car insurance.
Drunk Driving Takes Lives and Destroys Families!! Don't Drive Drunk! https://t.co/NCtrWQlKde #ArriveAlive #DontDrinkAndDrive pic.twitter.com/20nDzmICfG
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 11, 2019
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