South Africa : Motorists urged not to drink, take drugs when driving

By Gabi Khumalo

Pretoria - The Central Drug Authority (CDA) has urged all motorists and pedestrians to celebrate responsibly during the festive season by not drinking alcohol and taking drugs when driving.

"Alcohol and drugs are the leading causes of road fatalities in South Africa and affect one's ability to make sound judgments and therefore impede on one's ability to drive safely," CDA Deputy Chairperson David Bayever said.

He said the recreational use of some perceived safe drugs with alcohol or in combination with medication can have unpredictable effects on the individual's ability to function and think rationally.

"It is important that while tacking medication for health reasons or out of necessity, one must be warned about taking them in combination with alcohol. The medication can be carried through the bloodstream to the brain with devastating consequences," he said.

The CDA appeals to all parents to look out for physical signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use including the smell of substances such as alcohol or dagga on the breath or on clothes, stains on fingers, presence of pipes or broken bottle tops and also some teaspoons, frequent colds, sores on lips, red eyes and coughing.

The behavioural signs of drug use include:

· Unexpected changes in mood or behaviour e.g. becoming aggressive or loosing interest in life or friends;

· Not listening to discipline or rules at home,

· Problems with family relationships,

· Secretive or suspicious behaviour like being secretive and avoiding discussions,

· Change in sleeping habits,

· Change in appearance,

· Loss of interest in personal hygiene,

· Unexplained weight loss or gain, and

· Change in activities, hobby or friends

However, Mr Bayever said it was important to remember that if a person showed any of these signs or symptoms; it did not necessarily mean that he or she was using drugs.

The CDA is a statutory inter-sectoral structure, established in terms of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act of1992.

It comprises experts from government and non-governmental agencies.

Should anyone observe any or combinations of these signs or want to find more information, contact Drug and Alcohol Abuse helpline 0800 12 13 14 or send an SMS to 32312 or call Department of Social Development (012) 312-7653. - BuaNews