As we approach the August festivities many of us tend to consume much more alcohol than usual, and some of us drive our vehicles under the influence of alcohol. This can sometimes result in severe consequences some of which can be deadly. If you have too much to drink, be prepared to make other arrangements so you do not have to drive.
Why driving under the influence of alcohol is so important?
Many car accidents and road traffic accidents are associated with individuals driving under the influence of alcohol. Indeed, a large proportion of fatal road accidents are associated with alcohol and drug use. The risk of a driver under the influence of alcohol being killed in a vehicle accident is at least eleven times that of drivers without alcohol in their system.
How does alcohol affect driving?
Consuming alcohol prior to driving greatly increases the risk of car accidents, highway injuries, and vehicular deaths. The greater the amount of alcohol consumed, the more likely a person is to be involved in an accident. When alcohol is consumed, many of the skills that safe driving requires are impaired.
All drivers know that alcohol use does affect their driving, but many often drive despite knowing the effects of alcohol which is a depressant drug even in small amounts. Scientists have shown that alcohol depresses the central nervous system which involves the brain. There are many effects of alcohol on driving. Alcohol can affect the driving skills of qualified and experienced drivers, in the following ways:
• Decreased reaction times
• Decreased concentration
• Impaired vision
• Feeling of overconfidence
• Feeling drowsy
• Failure to obey road rules
The hangover effects of alcohol, the next day, can make it hard to concentrate and drive safely, and might cause you to fall asleep while driving.
Drivers must know that if they intend to drink at a party or function they should make arrangements for someone who is not using alcohol to do the driving, or call a taxi.
How can you help end drinking and driving?
Everyone can play a role in ending drinking and driving. The first thing you can do is make the choice not to drink and drive. With this said there are many other ways you can help to end drinking and driving. You can help to educate the youths of this island, your personal family members as well as your children friends, about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Inform these individuals of the dangers of drinking and driving as well as the legal repercussions of these action. If you or a loved one have a problem with alcohol, encourage him/her to get professional help.
If you see someone who is obviously drunk, offer to take him/her home or call a taxi for him/her. In some cases, you might need to alert a relative or friend to stop this person from driving under the influence of alcohol.
Conclusion
Individuals are encouraged to avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol. There is no doubt that many of the vehicular accidents on the island are associated with alcohol use. If you intend to drink, make other arrangements for someone to do the driving.
Have a safe and incident free carnival!
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
