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Drunk driving out of control

Release Date: 11 November 2011
Drunk driving is one of the biggest threats to road safety in South Africa. Annually over 14 000 people are killed and 56 000 are seriously injured in car crashes. More than half of these are alcohol related, which is twice the world average.
In raising awareness ahead of the festive season, road safety advocate; BP, has thrown its weight behind another Stay Alert, Stay Alive initiative to drive home the very real dangers associated with drinking and driving to the public.

At a live demonstration this month at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg, volunteers were asked to put on scientifically manufactured goggles, which simulated the effect of alcohol consumption while driving. Impairment included reduced alertness, slowed reaction time, confusion, visual distortion, alteration of depth and distance perception, reduction of peripheral vision, poor judgement and decision making, as well as double vision and lack of muscular coordination.

Dr Lawrence Barit, Road Safety Analyst for Stay Alert, Stay Alive says the results clearly showed that ‘drunk’ drivers (those wearing the goggles) were three times more likely to knock over cones on a test circuit when compared to their ‘sober’ selves (without goggles). Many were even totally oblivious to the fact that they had in fact knocked over a few cones.

“When wearing the goggles, the focus group also took an average of 19% longer to respond and lost some 44% in visual depth perception, seriously impairing their ability to drive accurately.

“While ‘sober’, the group was also able to stop their vehicle on average 22% closer or better to a given target than when ‘drunk’, stopping 88% further away from the target, which very obviously indicates the disadvantages of driving while under the influence of alcohol, says Dr Barit.
The experiment is the first in a series of BP initiatives that form part of the company’s annual road safety education campaign in the lead up to the holidays.

Glenda Zvenyika, BP’s Corporate & External Communications Manager says special emphasis will also be placed on the importance of wearing a seatbelt while driving., BP has currently on SABC 3 features together with Stay Alert Stay Alive urging all motorists to always wear their seatbelts when in a vehicle.

Zvenyika says the statistics related to seatbelts are shocking. “Only 65% of drivers in SA actually buckle up. And up to 46% of those killed in car crashes could have survived if they only wore a seatbelt.

“Although this time of year is synonymous with parties and end-of-year bashes, it is also a time when we should be taking preventative steps to ensure the safety of ourselves and others. By following these tips, drivers can make a big difference,” says Zvenyika.

Safety tips:

  • Always wear a seatbelt when driving
  • Don’t drink alcohol before or while driving

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