This is the time of the year when there are many parties and family gatherings and the use of alcohol appears to increase. Unfortunately, many individuals continue to use large quantities of alcohol and drive following these gatherings, resulting in vehicular accidents which can have devastating results for the individuals and innocent individuals. Driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence are serious offenses.
Drinking and driving
Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is totally preventable. Driving while either intoxicated or drunk is dangerous, and drivers with high blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) are at greatly increased risks of car accidents, road injuries and vehicular deaths. Despite the growing awareness of the problem people continue to drive with illegal and dangerous amounts of alcohol or illicit substances in their blood stream.
Alcohol is a depressant. It is absorbed into the blood stream and affects body functions. Although quickly absorbed, it remains in the body for an extended period of time. Many mistakenly believe that strong coffee or a cold shower will alleviate the effects of alcohol. These remedies do not work. Only time will eliminate alcohol from the body.
Alcohol has a profound effect on driving skills. Because of its depressant effects, drivers can misjudge their capabilities. Some of the effects of alcohol that affect driving include:
• reaction time – slow reflexes can decrease the ability to react swiftly to situations.
• vision – eye muscles function more slowly. Eye movement and perception are altered, possibly resulting in blurred vision. Night vision and colour perception are also impaired.
• tracking – the ability to judge the car’s position on the road, the location of other vehicles, centre line, road signs, etc., can be adversely affected.
• concentration – attention to driving may decrease and/or drowsiness may occur.
• comprehension – the depressant effect of alcohol hinders the ability to make rational decisions.
• coordination – the mechanics of driving can be affected by reduced eye/hand/foot coordination.
If alcohol is used in conjunction with other drugs (legal or illegal) the effects can be potentially deadly.
What can you do about this problem?
There are a number of things individuals can do about the problem of drinking and driving. As individuals we can do the following:
• Do not drink and drive and do not ride with anyone who has too much to drink.
• Volunteer to be a designated driver, if not drinking.
• Always use a safety seatbelt.
• Never use illegal drugs. Illicit drugs are involved in a large proportion of traffic fatalities.
• Never drive when fatigued. The dangers posed when fatigued are similar to those when intoxicated. A drunk or fatigued driver has slowed reactions and impaired judgment. A driver who nods off at the wheel has no reactions and no judgment!
• Do not use a car phone, put on make-up, or eat while driving. Drivers using cellular phones are four times more likely to have an accident than other drivers. And if they are under the influence of alcohol the risk increases.
• Don’t be fooled. The contents of the typical bottle or can of beer, glass of wine, or liquor drink (mixed drink or straight liquor) each contains virtually identical amounts of pure alcohol. When it comes to alcohol, a drink is a drink and are all the same to a breathalyzer.
• Eat food while you drink. Food, especially high protein food such as meat, cheese and peanuts, will help slow the absorption of alcohol into your body.
• Accept a drink only when you really want one. If someone tries to force a drink on you, ask for a non-alcohol beverage instead. If that doesn’t work, “lose” your drink by setting it down somewhere and leaving it.
• Use alcohol carefully in connection with pharmaceuticals. Ask your physician or pharmacist about any precautions or prohibitions and follow any advice received.
How can you help protect others?
The following tips can prove helpful:
• Volunteer to be a designated driver.
• Never condone or approve of excessive alcohol consumption. Intoxicated behaviour is potentially dangerous and never amusing.
• Do not ever let your friends drive drunk. Take their keys, have them stay the night, have them ride home with someone else, call a cab, or do whatever else is necessary – but don’t let them drive!
• Serve food before beginning to serve drinks. This de-emphasizes the importance of alcohol and also sends the message that intoxication is not desirable.
• Have a responsible bartender. If you plan to ask a friend or relative to act as bartender, make sure that person is not a drink pusher who encourages excessive consumption.
• Be sure to offer a diversity of attractive non-alcohol drinks.
• Respect anyone’s choice not to drink. Never put anyone on the defence for not drinking.
• End your gathering properly. Decide when you want the party to end and stop serving drinks well before that time.
• Protect others and yourself by never driving if you think, or anyone else thinks, that you might have had too much to drink. It’s always best to use a designated driver.
Conclusion
Despite many educational programmes, many individuals here in Anguilla continue to drive vehicles while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Injuries and deaths as a result of vehicular accidents associated with alcohol use are all preventable. Many people are still not aware of the effects of drinking and driving. Poor coordination, disorientation, blackouts, and double vision are just a few of the short-term effects of alcohol abuse, all of which can make driving dangerous. Let us all try to decrease the number of vehicular accidents caused by driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty five years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
