SA motorists know it is illegal to drink and drive, but most still feel that it’s socially acceptable.
This was revealed at a recent Road Traffic Management Corporation Conference which highlighted that out of the 900 000 road accidents reported last year, at least 150 000 people were injured, 60 000 required hospitalisation and 14 500 lost their lives.
SA motorists know it is illegal to drink and drive, but most still feel that it’s socially acceptable.
This was revealed at a recent Road Traffic Management Corporation Conference which highlighted that out of the 900 000 road accidents reported last year, at least 150 000 people were injured, 60 000 required hospitalisation and 14 500 lost their lives.
According to road safety advocate, Sam Mupanemunda, BP’s External Affairs Director, the extent of the problem is far reaching and does not seem to be abating.
“Improving road safety can only be achieved when perceptions about aspects of road safety are changed. This change can be facilitated through organised efforts, but requires consistent and clear messaging by all road safety activists,” says Mupanemunda.
In support of raising further awareness ahead of the festive season, BP has thrown its weight behind yet another Stay Alert, Stay Alive initiative to drive home the very real dangers associated with drinking and driving. At a live scientific research demonstration in Johannesburg recently, a number of volunteers including celebrities 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, reduced peripheral vision, poor judgement and decision making, as well as double vision and lack of muscular coordination.
The focus group was asked to perform a number of tests while driving, first with and then without the goggles, to compare the results. 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.
