Arrive Alive

Under the Influence

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Although some drivers may appear sober with a blood-alcohol level of 0,08g per 100ml or higher, the level was fixed at this figure in the past because extensive research showed this was the point at which most drivers became accident-prone through drink. However, some people may show signs of intoxication when their blood-alcohol level is below 0,05g per 100ml. This is why proposals for lowering the limit to 0,05g per 100ml were published in 1996.

There is no standard test which will prove that a person is under the influence. In order to prove such a charge, a court will have to rely on the opinions of witnesses and on reports of the standard of driving and the conduct of the accused at the time of the alleged offence.

A person accustomed to heavy drinking may have a high alcohol tolerance. But even if, say, a man's driving ability, even after many drinks, is unimpaired, if he drives when the level of alcohol in his blood is 0,05g per 100ml or higher, he is guilty of an offence.

The action of alcohol as a depressant of the central nervous system may be aggravated by simultaneous use of certain medicines. Many of these preparations can be obtained from a pharmacy without a prescription, and it is easy to miss the printed warning on the container that their use with alcohol may lead to drowsiness, blurred vision or poor co-ordination.

If your doctor prescribes any medicines, ask whether their use aggravates the effects of alcohol. When medicines are bought without prescription, a properly qualified pharmacist should be able to give you this information. If you are in any doubt, simply do not drink.

Loading...

Search Road Safety Articles

Latest Pages

Safety around Trucks with FleetWatch

Safety around Trucks with FleetWatch

Sharing the Road in Harmony Basic driving habits practised by motorists when sharing the road with trucks could save many lives. Here are a few tips: Avoid Blind Spots 70% of all truck-related car fatalities are initiated by car drivers 35% of them occur in the blind spots around trucks There

Read More

The Health Risks of Exposure to Dust

The Health Risks of Exposure to Dust

First responders come across many situations where dust is present, such as factories, dusty roads, concrete-cutting facilities and even workshops. Dust is found in many places on a job site and can be hazardous to your health a somewhat detailed explanation of these hazards is explained below. The

Read More

Delivery Motorcyclists Road Safety Project South Africa

Delivery Motorcyclists Road Safety Project South Africa

The background There are five Safe System pillars namely safer vehicles, safer speeds, safer roads, safer road users and post-crash management. The project (Delivery Motorcyclists Road Safety Project SA) falls under Pillar 4 of the Safer System Approach which is safer road users. The rationale A

Read More

ERS and Road Safety

ERS and Road Safety

ERS stands for Excel Recovery Services. They are a boutique specialist insurance claims recovery and liability outsourcing outfit, specializing in turning negative impacts into positive outcomes! They believe that Excellent client service is the cornerstone of any business and to maintain that

Read More

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers

When last did you check them? Do you even know where they are on your vehicle and what they actually do? Don't feel bad, very few people know much about shock absorbers or dampers as they should be called as they dampen out the excessive spring movement. Without shocks, you would not be able to keep

Read More

Sharing Knowledge - Shock Absorbers

Sharing Knowledge - Shock Absorbers

Technical Facts & Faq Understanding the effects that worn shock absorbers have on a vehicle will help identify the need to replace them with a new product. Shocks & Struts Are the tyres wearing unevenly? Does the vehicle continue to rock more than twice, front to back? Does the

Read More

Load More Pages

Partners

View All