Deadly December: Break the DUI crisis
Commit to not drink and drive and should others do so, help them find safer alternatives.
The festive season often means an uptick in driving under the influence (DUI). Matric vacations, end-of-year functions and a general tendency to drink more over the holidays results in tragic consequences for all road users.
* Matric vacation
Ensure your teen understands the dangers of drinking and driving. If your teenager will be driving to a matric vacation, further stress the importance of avoiding drunk driving.
Discuss specific scenarios: what will they do if the designated driver drinks? Who can they call if they need help getting home? Encourage them to establish a group agreement before leaving, where friends hold each other accountable.
Ensure your teen knows they can call you for a ride home – no matter the scenario – rather than get in a car with an impaired driver. Open, honest conversations about drunk driving can equip them to make safe choices when it matters most.
* End-of-year functions
Ideally, corporate events should avoid serving alcohol. If alcohol is available, the responsibility is on the organisation to ensure that employees get home safely with the many options available today, whether ridesharing or shuttle services. Limit the duration of alcohol service. Watch for signs of intoxication and intervene when necessary. Leadership should model responsible consumption as well.
* Personal decisions
Most importantly is committing to hold both ourselves and others accountable. Commit to not drink and drive and should others do so, help them find safer alternatives. Ultimately, the choice is ours alone and one that cannot be compromised.
Source: MasterDrive South Africa
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