GEORGE NEWS - Alcohol can have significant and detrimental effects on a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. And no one knows that better than someone who is lucky enough to have survived an accident involving a drunk driver.
"My friend and I played on Avbob's porch last night," said a woman from George who believes that she and her friend could have died on their way home due to a drunk driver late on Friday night, 1 December.
"I'm telling my story because I feel drunk driving is a huge problem in George. My friend and I almost lost our lives," she said.
The two women were driving down Hope Street near the prison, on their way back home from Herold's Bay, when they saw lights approaching them in oncoming traffic.
"I assumed it was a car overtaking another car so I slowed down for the car to overtake safely, but when the lights didn't dim and kept on coming at us, I knew we were in trouble. I saw two lights coming straight at me at speed and I stopped dead," she said.
According to the driver, who wishes to have her identity withheld, the oncoming car missed hers by mere millimeters before it drove into a ditch next to the road.
"We immediately jumped out to help them and called the emergency services. It soon became clear to us that all three passengers, and the driver, were drunk," she said.
Emergency services were on the scene quickly and the driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital.
Key effects of alcohol on drivers:
It causes impaired judgment on cognitive functions. Drivers under the influence may make poor decisions, take unnecessary risks, or underestimate dangerous situations.
Alcohol impairs motor skills and coordination. This can result in difficulties with tasks such as steering, braking, and maintaining proper lane position.
It slows down the central nervous system, including the brain's ability to process information and send signals to the body. This leads to slower reaction times, making it harder for a driver to respond quickly to changes in the driving environment.
It can affect vision, including the ability to focus and perceive depth accurately. This can hinder a driver's ability to recognise road signs, judge distances and react to hazards.
A couple of drinks can cause a lack of concentration and attention, making it difficult for a driver to stay focused on the road, traffic signals and other critical elements of driving.
It can also lead to overconfidence and a false sense of invincibility. Intoxicated individuals may take greater risks, such as speeding or driving recklessly, believing they are in control when, in fact, their abilities are impaired.
Alcohol can contribute to drowsiness and fatigue. Combining alcohol with fatigue increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
Driving requires the ability to multitask, such as monitoring the road, checking mirrors and responding to traffic signals. Alcohol impairs multitasking abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.
Alcohol can lower inhibitions and increase aggressive behaviour. This may result in road rage incidents and aggressive driving.
Drinking and driving is simply not worth it.
Legal consequences
Depending on prior convictions against you, as well as the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you face a minimum fine of R2 000 or a two-year prison sentence, or both. You may also lose your driver's licence, or have it suspended. And, of course, you will have a criminal record.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal.
It's important to note that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving abilities.
The safest course of action is to avoid drinking and driving altogether. If someone plans to consume alcohol, it's recommended that they use alternative transportation options such as a designated driver, public transportation, or rideshare services.
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