Help us to create #BoozeFreeRoads | Western Cape Government

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Help us to create #BoozeFreeRoads

30 December 2016

The good news is that each and every one of us can make a difference through our own behaviour.

First, the simple fact is that alcohol and roads don’t mix. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to make decisions, operate a vehicle, or walk safely near traffic, whether you are driving, walking, or riding a motorbike or bicycle.

If you’re drinking, don’t drive. The best way to do this is to stay at home, stay at friends, or leave your car at home if you do go out. Don’t even give yourself the option of driving. Whether it’s a taxi, a bus, a train, rather make a Plan B. It is better to crash on a couch than into a traffic light or another car. Help us create booze-free roads. If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.

If you are on foot, please don’t drink, especially not to excess. Walking drunk on our roads at night could get you run over or robbed. When you are out walking on the roads, make sure you cross where it is safe, and stay on the pavement. Most importantly, make sure that drivers can see you. Reflective clothing can save your life. The golden rule is to see and be seen.

Remember the basics. Watch your speed – there is no deadline more final than a funeral. Always buckle up. When we attend crashes, we don’t need to unbuckle the dead. Please make sure your vehicle has no defects, especially tyres and lights, and that windows and mirrors are clean. Leave your cell phone alone.

No call or text message is worth your life, it can wait. Tailgating and reckless overtaking are shortcuts to the grave, and you could take innocent victims with you.

If you are going to be driving long distances, remember there is no substitute for sleep. Caffeine can perk you up, but only temporarily. Driving when tired can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

These simple steps will help ensure you keep yourself and your families safe this holiday season.

Finally, while you enjoy this period of rest, relaxation and reflection, spare a thought for those emergency personnel, from traffic, police, medical emergency staff and all the others working over the holidays to keep us safe. We all owe them a great vote of thanks for all they do throughout the year. 

Join Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #BoozeFreeRoads

Media Enquiries: 

Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za