Silly things people believe about drinking and driving
Drinking and driving is and has always been a huge problem contributing to road accidents and fatalities in South Africa.
We all know of someone who’s been involved in a drinking and driving accident and in some very unfortunate cases some of us have lost close friends and loved ones because of it.
Yet somehow, hundreds of South African motorists are arrested for drinking and driving every weekend, some of whom were the cause of serious accidents.
A large majority of motor-related accidents, especially over long weekends and holidays are caused by drunk drivers and speedsters.
Are you part of the statistics?
Last year the AA reported that as many as 1 415 people were arrested by traffic officers over the Easter weekend. According to Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, 913 drivers were arrested for drunken driving and 502 were caught speeding over the Easter period.
The AA have brought 8 things to do with drinking and driving to motorist’s attention.
Drinking and driving – did you know?
- One is normally charged for negligent driving as well.
- You can be locked up in a cell for the night or even weekend.
- Following your court date, you can be imprisoned for up to 6 years.
- You can also be fined up to R120 000.
- Your driving license can be suspended.
- You can get a criminal record.
- A criminal record can create difficulties with travel, finding employment and with career development.
- If you kill someone in a crash, jail sentences can be much higher, not to mention the effect it will have on the rest of your life.
With this in mind, why is it that we still see so many friends, colleagues and family members choosing to get behind the wheel after a few drinks?
Everyone has their own excuses: “I’ve had some water in between, I’m fine to drive”, “I had my last drink about 2 hours ago, it’s out of my system now and I feel fine”.
The truth is, everyone is affected differently by alcohol and while law enforcement officials are tightening up about the legal drinking limit, being locked up for drinking and driving really is the least of your problems when you consider our high road death toll.
5 myths about drinking and driving
Source: AA