Christmas is just around the corner, the party season has already started and we all know we Irish enjoy a sing song and a tipple. However when it comes to the rules of the road, the Irish are safe drivers, who are aware of road hazards.
According to the recent AXA European Road Behaviour Survey, 95% of Irish drivers consider drinking and driving to be dangerous. Why isn’t this 100% considering the damage we all know drink driving can do?
Imagine if you could introduce a new law- well 83% of Irish drivers think that a zero alcohol limit behind the wheel would be a good idea, Do you agree?
This is encouraged by the designated driver campaign where free soft drinks are provided in pubs and clubs to the designated ‘taxi’ driver (sorry -friend!) How do you feel about this? Should all countries introduce this campaign?
On the other hand if you all want a little drink when you’re out, should there be more late night buses available over the Christmas period and should they be free? What other ideas do you have to discourage drink driving? Share them here.
South Africa also has a drinking culture second to none, and we often joke about the fact that our local passtime could be considered to be drinking and driving. As much fun as it seems at the time so crazy it is to find out that a good friend had lost his/her life the previous night.
Our road deaths are some of the highest in the world, and our drinking and driving culture has got lots to do with it. Drinking and driving is something that should be guarded against at all times, not just over holidays and special occasions. Year round initiatives are required to both educate and scare people away from drinking and driving.
Alcohol and motor vehicles just don’t mix, period!
Take care until next time.
Steven
Hi Steven,
I’d like to concur with every word you said.I’m a voluntary road safety campaigner for six years now, because both my favourite Uncle and my very best friend lost their lives because of drunk drivers and also far too many others that I knew personally. My strapline is “Road Carnage is NO accident” Accidents are caused, they don’t just happen. (certain road conditions exceptional) Alcohol consumption and vehicle driving certainly do not mix well!!! Too many bereaved families could bear witness to that fact.
Mary Clinton.