With year-end functions, office parties and festive celebrations soon to be in full swing, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), is urging motorists to think carefully about the decisions they make both behind the wheel and before they get there.

According to Dewald Ranft, Chairman of MIWA, the combination of alcohol, late-night driving and poorly maintained vehicles creates a dangerous cocktail every December.

“We see the fallout first-hand in workshops,” says Ranft. “Many of the vehicles that come in during the festive season show the unmistakable signs of high-impact collisions linked to drunk or fatigued driving. But what many motorists don’t realise is that a poorly maintained car can turn a bad situation into a catastrophic one.”

Impaired driving leads to costly mechanical damage

Ranft says alcohol-related accidents typically result in more severe repair work due to delayed reaction times, excessive speed and reduced control. Common damage MIWA workshops see after festive crashes includes: suspension and steering failures; bent or cracked rims; undercarriage and exhaust damage; blown tyres; compromised braking systems and airbag deployment and structural damage

“These repairs are expensive –  often running into tens of thousands of rand,” says Ranft. “And if alcohol is involved, this may invalidate one’s insurance claim and insurers may reject the claim entirely. That leaves families carrying the full cost at the worst possible time of year. It could also, lead to higher insurance premiums in the new year.”

But even with a sober driver, your vehicle must still be safe. MIWA warns that many people plan ahead for a designated driver – but forget to consider whether their vehicle is roadworthy for late-night festive travel.

“Late-night driving means reduced visibility, more fatigued drivers on the road, and a higher likelihood of encountering intoxicated motorists,” explains Ranft.

“If your own vehicle has poor tyres, dim headlights, faulty wipers or weak brakes, you’re putting your designated driver, and everyone else, at unnecessary risk.”

Before heading to a year-end function or festive celebration, MIWA recommends the following:

• Make a transport plan before the party starts

Secure a designated driver, ride-share or shuttle service early – don’t leave it to judgement calls later in the evening.

• Never hand your keys to someone who has been drinking

Even if they insist they are “fine”, you could face denied insurance claims, costly repairs and potential liability.

• Give your vehicle a quick safety check

Before night-time travel, ensure your tyres have sufficient tread;  headlights, taillights and indicators work;  brake pads are in good condition; windscreen wipers clear effectively; there are no fluid leaks and the spare wheel and triangle are present

• Avoid unnecessary night driving

Most alcohol-related crashes happen after dark. If a trip can wait until morning, delay it.

Ranft says MIWA members see the tragic effects of reckless festive-season decisions every year. One must also remember that the average age of vehicles on our roads is 10.6 years which means that many of these older cars could require some level of attention.

“One irresponsible choice can change a family’s life forever,” he says. “This year, we’re asking South Africans to do two simple things: don’t drink and drive and make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you head out. It’s the combination that saves lives.”