The holiday season has arrived, and many people will be relaxing, enjoying their favourite alcoholic beverages.
While many know not to get behind the wheel after they’ve had a drink or two, some may attempt to drive, especially if they are not going to drive a long distance.
Attempt to drive after having a drink may lead to a person spending some time behind bars if caught by the traffic officers or city police.
According to The National Road Traffic Act (NRTA), Act 93 of 1996
- No person shall on a public road –
- drive a vehicle.
- occupy the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle the engine of which is running, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug having a narcotic effect.
The department of Transport’s road safety campaign Arrive Alive shares that:
“A concentration of alcohol in the blood at: 0,05 gram per 100 milliliters (all drivers), professional drivers: 0,02 gram per 100 milliliters.”
“Breath alcohol content: 0,24 milligrams per 1000 milliliters (all drivers), professional drivers: 0,10 milligrams per 1000 milliliters.”
Besides facing penalties such the possibility losing your license or having it suspended for a while, drinking under the influence of alcohol is not safe not only for you but for other road users too.
The public health program organised by the National Council on Alcoholism; Alcohol Awareness shares the few reasons why we shouldn’t drive under the influence of alcohol.
- Alcohol Abuse Impairs Vision- when driving it is important to have a clear vision, drinking blurs it a bit making it worse with the more drinks you’ve had, shares public health program organised by the National Council on Alcoholism, Alcohol Awareness.
- Increased Chances of Having an Accident – drinking under the influence of alcohol has been proven to be one of the main causes of accidents in Mzansi and many other countries in the world. Making sure you don’t go behind the wheel after drinking can save lives.
- Legal Ramifications of Drinking and Driving – driving under the influence not only poses accident risks but it may get you in trouble with the law. Getting a ride on cab services may save you.
Also see: Safety tips for driving in the rain
