A bitter cocktail

At this time of year one is normally invited to a number of parties, receptions and dinners. A common factor in such activities is, of course, alcohol.

One should remember that alcohol has two facets. On the positive side, it could help a person to socialise. On the other hand, it could be the cause of harm - such as in traffic accidents.

It is a known fact that a person who is driving under the influence of alcohol is at a higher risk (six times higher) of being involved in a traffic accident than a person who is sober. Even the smallest amount of alcohol intake can affect one's driving skills and one would not be capable of judging distance and speed and one's reaction time decreases. Although there are people who boast that they drive better when under the influence of alcohol, the reality is different.

If a person is under the influence of alcohol, he will take longer to make decisions related to driving; for example, he would take longer to decide to put on the brakes in case he notices an obstacle on the road. This delayed reaction could cause a traffic accident, which, unfortunately, at times could even be a fatal one.

It's a pity that a person would allow alcohol to rob his/her loved ones and himself the joy of Christmas. Alcohol and driving form a deadly cocktail which has ruined far too many lives. Therefore, if you are going to drive it would be best if you do not drink any alcohol to avoid endangering yourself and/or others. If you drink alcohol do not drive. There are alternatives to celebrate Christmas in a healthy way:

1. Do not offer any alcoholic drinks to someone who will be driving. You can offer/drink alcohol- free cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks.

2. If you are in a group, decide which one of you will not drink alcohol (designated driver) so that this person can drive his friends home safely.

3. Never ride in a car driven by someone who has been drinking. Call a taxi, use public transport or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

Myths and facts

The myth:

I feel OK when I drink and drive because - I only had a couple of drinks; I ate and had some milk before I drank; I mixed my alcoholic drink with soft drinks or water; I am only going down the road; I drive slowly and carefully; I will not be stopped by the police; I've been doing this for ages and I never had a traffic accident.

The facts:

Even one alcoholic drink can affect your driving abilities and performance.

It does not matter if you eat before having an alcoholic beverage. Food only increases the time alcohol takes to enter your body system but it does not reduce its effect on the brain. Your driving skills will be equally impaired.

Mixing an alcoholic beverage with water, juices or soft drinks does not dilute the effect of the drink. This only changes the taste and not the alcohol amount. Mixing alcoholic drinks with soft drinks makes alcohol reach your brain faster.

A considerable number of alcohol-related accidents occur within five kilometrfes of the start of the journey.

Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down your reflex actions and makes you less alert. Driving slowly under the influence of alcohol does not mean you are a safe driver.

The police can ask you to take a breath test if they suspect you have been drinking, if you commit a traffic offence or if you involved in an accident.

It does not mean that if you have never been involved in an alcohol-related traffic accident you will never be. Did you ever ask yourself if you have ever caused an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol?

Remember: Alcohol and driving do not mix!

Ms Azzopardi is Sedqa's Safe programme coordinator.