“‘Tis the season to be jolly”—with Black Friday just gone and the Christmas party season just beginning, “jolly” acquires another meaning. The festive season is typically a time when people gather with family, friends and colleagues to celebrate, and it can be easy to overindulge. Drink driving peaks during the festive season and despite harsh penalties a number of motorists are still taking the risk.
According to different sources, drink driving, despite the social stigma of latter years, is actually getting worse. This April has actually been the worst month for drink-driving offences in Ireland for five years. While some people often say they do not want to drink for whatever reason, they can invariably be urged to “go on” and “just have the one” to celebrate, though some of them may be designated drivers or unaware that the consequences of drink driving apply even the morning after and not just on the way home from the party. Though social time is important and can have many health benefits, it is paramount for people to be informed about the consequences of consuming alcohol and how this interferes with driving, especially if professional drivers are involved.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) of Ireland has listed 10 of the most common driving errors that arising from drink driving—have a look at the list and see how risky it can be for somebody driving under the influence and for other road users and pedestrians:
· Drivers’ peripheral vision is affected, making it difficult to see signs and other road users and lengthening reaction time to hazards;
· Drivers react to alcohol consumption by driving too slow or too fast;
· Drivers drive in the wrong lane;
· Drivers drive over the kerb;
· Drivers weave in and out of traffic lanes;
· Drivers make quick or jerky movements—the control is not smooth;
· Drivers forget to use lights or signal;
· Drivers’ vehicles might straddle lanes;
· Drivers fail to stop when they have to;
· Drivers overtake dangerously.
Driving for work or pleasure is already a risky activity, so the solution should never ever drink and drive. It is not necessary to skip social or holiday celebrations altogether, it’s just that they should be approached wisely by thinking ahead and having a plan. If alcohol is being served in one of your parties, there are a few steps you can take:
- Choose someone in your group to be the designated driver but remember this person should NOT consume any alcohol.
- Arrange for a taxi or book some accommodation if you are going to drink.
- Do not forget drinking might impact on the morning or day after—think about it if you are going to drive for either work or pleasure.
- Keep in mind the body’s need to metabolize alcohol and the fact that food will slow alcohol’s entry into the bloodstream; a responsible person will limit themselves to one drink per hour while eating food.
There is simply no positive spin to be put on drinking and driving any time, but least of all during this season of love and good will toward others.
