A Call for Responsible Drinking to Save Lives: This Festive Season, ‘Be Merry, Not Bury’

Combat Road Fatalities and Gender-Based Violence Through Responsible Alcohol Use

As South Africa braces for the festive season, a nationwide call for responsible drinking aims to reduce road fatalities and alcohol-related violence, promoting safety and saving lives.

A Growing Concern: Binge-Drinking and Its Impact

The festive season often brings joy, celebration, and a surge in alcohol consumption. However, binge drinking, which the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines as consuming alcohol to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, is contributing to road fatalities and gender-based violence across South Africa. Men consuming five or more drinks or women consuming four or more within two hours falls into this category, highlighting the urgency for change.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently revealed sobering statistics: 512 road fatalities since 1 December and 941 motorists arrested for drunk driving. These alarming figures have prompted a clarion call for responsible alcohol consumption under the motto, “Be merry, not bury.”

Voices for Change: The Call for Responsible Drinking

Zoleka Lisa, South African Breweries (SAB) vice-president for corporate affairs, has stressed the importance of individual accountability.

“Every time you choose not to drink and drive, you’re taking a stand for life,” said Lisa. “The cost of inaction is too high for any of us to bear.”

South Africa’s high rate of road accidents, many caused by impaired driving, highlights the human cost of irresponsibility.

“These are not just numbers. They represent real people, stories, and futures cut short,” Lisa added.

Innovative Solutions: Alcohol Evidence Centres (AECs)

To address drunk driving, SAB, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has established Alcohol Evidence Centres (AECs). These centres streamline the identification and prosecution of impaired drivers, reinforcing accountability.

Lisa emphasized the dual focus of the AECs:

• Prosecution: Holding offenders accountable through swift legal action.
• Prevention: Deterring individuals from drinking and driving.

Lucky Ntimane, convenor of the National Liquor Traders’ Association (NLTA), underscored the role of compliance in preventing alcohol misuse.

“Compliance is a cornerstone in preventing alcohol abuse and irresponsible usage,” said Ntimane.

How You Can Help: A Collective Effort

Addressing binge-drinking and drunk driving requires collective action:

1. Make Better Choices: Commit to not drinking and driving.
2. Support Law Enforcement: Encourage strict enforcement of drunk-driving laws.
3. Businesses Step Up: Promote responsible consumption and sponsor initiatives like AECs.

“Families are torn apart, futures cut short – all because of one selfish decision: to drink and drive,” said Lisa. “This reality demands action from all of us.”

Also read: Tragic N2 Collision Near Dutywa Claims 12 Lives, Leaves Two Injured