The risk of driving drunk

Colin Mchunu, Senior Consultant at Alexander Forbes Retail.

With the holiday season upon us and social gatherings the order of the day, this festive time often has a tragic side as the number of road casualties increases.

“According to South African law it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol level of 0.05g or more per 100ml to be in the driver’s seat of a vehicle,” says Colin Mchunu, Senior Consultant at Alexander Forbes Retail.

Mchunu 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 you are drunk it takes longer for your brain to process all of the data 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 and be liable for fines and culpable homicide resulting in a criminal record and the possible suspension of your license.

Being caught driving under the influence has 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 any charges or convictions to your insurer, they may also reject your future motor claims, due to non-disclosure of material information.”

Mchunu 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. The result would be you covering from your own pocket all expenses associated with an accident caused by drunken driving.

Mchunu reminds the South African public to make use of driver services rather than drive home drunk.

“When you know you will be drinking simply don’t drive, last year over 1700 people died on South African roads over the Festive Season, many of which were alcohol-related.”

Mchunu reminds South Africans to make the necessary preparations to ensure their financial well-being and concludes, “Even if you are not driving “over the limit” alcohol increases fatigue and makes accident more likely.”