Beware of the perils of drunk driving this festive season
The 2014 holiday season is upon us again and while this is generally a festive time it will have its tragic side as the number of road casualties increases.
Research shows that half of all road deaths are a result of alcohol consumption. “According to the South African law it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol level of 0.05g or more per 100 ml to be in the driver’s seat of a vehicle,” says Gari Dombo, MD of Alexander Forbes Insurance.
Dombo explains that alcohol affects your ability to drive as it may cause:
- Impaired vision – Drunk drivers have tunnel vision as they are less aware of peripheral zones.
- Slower reaction time – When one is drunk it takes longer for your brain to process all of the data obtained and your ability to interpret information is reduced.
- Lack of concentration – Drunk drivers are more likely to become side-tracked and pay less attention to road signs, pedestrians etc.
- Bad judgement – Drinking affects your ability to judge distances between static and moving objects.
If you are convicted of drunk driving in South Africa you could face jail time, be liable for fines and culpable homicide resulting in a criminal record and your license may be suspended.
Being caught driving under the influence has other insurance implications. Your insurance premiums will probably increase as you will be considered a higher risk driver and your insurer may even refuse to renew your policy. If you do not disclose the charge or conviction to your insurer, they may also reject your future motor claims, due to non-disclosure of material information.
Dombo adds that your insurance policy excludes damage to your vehicle and third party damage or injury caused when you drive over the blood alcohol limit. Many insurers also exclude cover where it is reliably witnessed that you were under the influence, so blood alcohol limit is then irrelevant. The result would be you having to cover all expenses associated with an accident caused by drunken driving from your own pocket.
Dombo reminds the South African public to rather make use of driver services than drive home drunk.
“Should you make use of the Alexander Forbes Insurance Driver Service, which is available to all AFI policy holders, two drivers will arrive at the appointed time and you will be driven home in your own insured car followed by the vehicle that the driver arrived in,” concludes Dombo.
Also view:
Young drunk drivers and road safety
