‘’If you choose to drink and drive during this holiday period, you will get caught.’’ This is a warning from the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (Aware.org), in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), ahead of the Easter weekend.
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PICTURE: Getty ImagesThe organisations says this Easter holiday campaign raises
awareness about the dangers presented to drivers and other road users when
drivers choose to get behind the wheel after drinking. It also aims to reduce
the national road accident rate and death toll during late March and early
April.
“Two key factors we are dealing with are that the roads get
busy with additional holiday traffic and that some road users choose to get
behind the wheel even when they are over the legal alcohol limit. We therefore
appeal to drivers to drive responsibly,” states Carmen Mohapi, the Managing
Director of Aware.org.
“Imagine you’re driving somewhere in the Midlands after a
wonderful family lunch. You’re not concerned because you’ve only had a few
drinks, right? Suddenly there’s a metro police vehicle behind you, beeping the
siren and asking you to stop. Your heart
races and your mouth dries up. Your life can change instantly when you drink
and drive,” warns Mohapi.
Mohapi urges South Africans not to be fooled by the usual
misconceptions like ‘I won’t get caught’ or ‘coffee will sober me up’.
According to the RTMC, driver alcohol intoxication accounts
for an estimated 5.5% of fatal crashes in South Africa.
‘’Additionally, pedestrians experience the greatest risk
when alcohol is mixed with road use. This collaboration with Aware.org
strengthens reach and impact by combining widespread communication with
on-the-ground law enforcement,” said Simon Zwane, RTMC Chief Communications Officer.
“We hope for visible results from this safety initiative as road safety remains a primary concern. Always being sober behind the wheel is crucial for the safety of motorists, passengers and pedestrians,” said Mohapi.
Mohapi stressed that in addition to asking South Africans
to resist drinking if they know they will be driving, it is important to
popularise and start building new social norms taking into consideration the
reality that it is now easier than ever to avoid drinking and driving.
“Why risk spoiling your break and fun times with loved
ones? Rather enjoy the widespread choices of 0% alcohol drink options and
transportation alternatives,” urged Mohapi.
Done By: Mitchum George
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