If you must drink – think, don’t drive, survive

ALTHOUGH South Africans seem to find a reason to drink for every holiday, this time of the year seems to be boozier than the rest.

It has been a long and bumpy year. Many will, deservedly, let their hair down and recharge, soak up the sun, celebrate and spend time with family and friends.

Roads, especially in the coastal cities, are gridlocked. Beaches are packed and tourist attractions are chock-full.

South Africa already ranks high in the alcohol stakes and unfortunately we have gained a reputation as “a phuza nation”. With the festive season in full swing, drunk driving is again under the spotlight.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2018 global status report on road safety indicates that 58% of road traffic deaths in the country involve alcohol. The recent findings by the WHO also indicate that

South Africans have the fifth highest alcohol consumption rate in the world.

Excessive drinking lowers inhibitions, impairs judgment and increases the risk of aggressive behaviour. Studies show a strong correlation between the country’s high crime rate and alcohol and drug abuse, especially on weekends. These numbers spike over the holidays, resulting in a calamitous silly season.

December and January’s road death toll is more than that of most countries and the cost to the economy of road accidents is estimated to be in excess of R164billion annually. Yet speedsters continue to flout speed limits with traffic police recording a driver clocking 187km/h on the notorious Laingsburg death stretch.

The national transport department’s proposal of reducing the blood-alcohol level from 0.05% to 0% is welcomed but needs to be policed effectively if it is going to have any impact.

If you enjoy a tipple rather be safe than sorry. Arrange for a sober designated driver or if you are in any doubt about whether you’re over the limit or not, use a reputable taxi service. Think. Don’t become another statistic.

As we wind down 2019, we wish you and your family a safe, peaceful and prosperous new year.