Trader Magazine 6th issue: If you Drink, don’t Drive

The scary hidden truth -- drinking and driving can be fatal but is common practice, especially amongst the youth of our society. Every weekend people go out drinking and partying and get into their car having had several drinks, convincing themselves they're OKAY, and drive home. This is NOT OKAY, driving under the influence can KILL. Although Tanzanian figures and percentages are not readily available, it is a FACT that serious traffic accidents and fatalities result from Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an international organization, EVERY DAY four people are killed and an additional three people seriously injured as a result of impaired driving -- and that’s in countries where there are strict laws against Drinking & Driving as well as ongoing educational campaigns constantly reminding drinkers of the fatal consequences.

It's not about whether you're drunk or not, it's a question of whether or not it is safe to drive when you have consumed even a small amount of alcohol. Research shows that impairment begins long before a person can realize they are drunk or impaired.

The holidays are coming up and there's going to be more drinking and more driving. On average for an 84 kg male just two drinks* increases blood alcohol level to a level of impairment. And the same applies to a 60 kg female. Your blood alcohol level will remain at this level for at least an hour after your last drink. Being "buzzed" or "high" means you shouldn't be driving - no matter how you THINK you feel, it actually decreases your senses by hundreds of percent - affecting your ability to drive safely. So, basically, the more you drink the more likely you are to have an accident, and a fatal one.

So when you go out partying this holiday season, or anytime, be mature, be responsible - if you plan to drink appoint a designated driver or arrange for a taxi. No matter how mbabe or macho you are, nothing can change the effect alcohol has on your senses & safety. And drinking & driving not only endangers your life but the life of everyone on the road the night you have a few drinks and drive home.

                                   Be responsible; if you Drink don't Drive.

* a "drink" is either one shot of liquor, a five-ounce glass of wine or one beer -- all  contain the same amount of alcohol.