Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major risk factor in South Africa, with half of all road fatalities shown to have a blood alcohol concentration in excess of the legal limit. Alcohol inhibits your ability to drive, slows reflexes, impairs concentration and can lead to poor decision-making. Don't let temptation get the better of you, because an accident will not only ruin the holidays for you and, potentially, for other innocent victims who may get caught up in a crash but could result in the loss of life.
The legal limit is a breath alcohol content of 0.24mg per 1,000ml, or a blood alcohol limit of 0.05g per 100ml. While it is impossible to say just how many drinks this represents - because every individual is different - there are estimates available.
One unit of alcohol is equal to a blood alcohol level of about 0.02g. One unit of alcohol is the rough equivalent of:
1 x glass of wine = 1 unit
1 x shot = ½ unit
1 x spirit cooler =1.25 units
1 x beer = 1.5 units or possibly more
1 x cider = 2 units
1 x cocktail = between 2 and 4 units
In other words, generally speaking, as little as one or two drinks can put you over the limit.
For this reason, the advice provided by the AA is perhaps best: "The rule of drinking and driving is simple - don't do it. It is a proven fact that your driving is impaired after even one unit of alcohol, so it is safer to not drink at all when you know you will be driving. Driving under the influence is a criminal offence and it only takes one point over the limit to seal your fate - which could mean up to six years in prison."
If you do intend to drink, make arrangements for a sober driver or another means of getting home, which does not involve getting behind the wheel.
Increasingly, insurers are providing alternatives which help their customers to reduce the risk of getting into an accident after a few drinks. For example, MiWay's WeDrive is a "take me home" service which lets you have as much fun as you like, with a driver taking you home safely in your own vehicle when the party is over.
It is the festive season. There will be plenty of great social events where you might like to let down your hair or loosen your tie. Go ahead and do so, but be responsible and stay away from the car keys. It's the best gift you can give your family, fellow citizens and the country.
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