Avoid fatal festive driving

With the festive season fast approaching, drunk driving is again under the spotlight. Dialdirect Insurance has seen a sharp increase from 2018 to 2019 in incidents of motorists operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and welcomes the national transport department’s proposal of reducing the blood-alcohol level from 0.05% to 0%.

“The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2018 Global status report on road safety indicates that 58% of road traffic deaths in South Africa involve alcohol. The recent findings by the WHO also indicates that South Africans have the fifth highest alcohol consumption rate in the world,” says Maanda Tshifularo, head of Dialdirect.

During the December 2018/ January 2019 festive season, 2 223 South African motorists were arrested for drunk driving. Dialdirect urges South Africans to be responsible about their alcohol use this year by following the following tips:

As a rule of thumb, two drinks in one hour will put you over the limit. Also bear in mind that, after a big night out, you could still be over the limit the morning after.

Stop drinking alcohol well before the end of the night so your body has time to recover. Be especially mindful to not drink shortly before you leave, because the effects of alcohol could soon see your driving ability deteriorate rapidly.

Invest in a high quality, personal breathalyser to check your breath alcohol level before getting behind the wheel.

Keep those in your circle in check, especially when you know that they’ll need to drive later. If you suspect that someone is over the limit, don’t allow them to drive.

Don’t let your drink out of your sight as it can be spiked in seconds.

Appoint a designated driver or use the services of a reputable taxi service. If you are in any doubt about whether you’re over the limit or not, rather be safe than sorry.

“It’s also important to know how to spot a drunk driver so you can keep out of harm’s way,” says Tshifularo. “If you see another motorist driving erratically, weaving between lanes or tailgating your vehicle, change lanes and put a good distance between yourselves.” – Own Correspondent