Circa 60% of drivers and pedestrians killed in road crashes were killed because the driver was influenced by alcohol or drugs, according to information provided by the Medical Research Council.

Because alcohol is a depressant, it slows down our brain and affects our responses. Drinking alcohol:

1. Slows down our reactions while driving
2. Upsets our coordination and balance
3. Impairs our hearing and blurs our vision
4. Makes us drowsy and sleepy and lose our coordination
5. Affects our judgement and reasoning
6. Makes us to take excessive risks

Because of its dangers to drivers, passengers and pedestrians, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence in South Africa. If convicted, you could face up to six years in jail and/or have your driver’s licence suspended for six months or more.

You may not drive or sit in the driver's seat when the engine is running if under the influence of any narcotic drugs or the alcohol in your blood or breath exceeds the permissible level. It is a criminal offence to refuse to provide a blood or a breath sample.

The permissible level may change from time to time and it is your responsibility to ensure you know what it is. Currently (June 2011) the maximum permitted concentration of alcohol is less than:

1. 0.05 grams per 100 millilitre of blood  for an ordinary driver (0.02 grams for professional drivers)
2. 0.24 milligrams per 1,000 millilitre of breath for an ordinary driver (0.10 milligrams for professional drivers)

Don’t be influenced by friends – say no to Drinking and Driving!