Drinking and driving: Caution even at smaller parties
According to the BFU, 34 people die each year in Switzerland as a result of alcohol-related traffic accidents. Every fourth person surveyed drives at least occasionally after consuming two or more glasses of alcohol. Even this year without big celebrations, the following applies to the festive season in small circles: If you drink, you don't drive.
Alcohol is an unsuitable companion in road traffic. Every year, 34 people die in Switzerland after alcohol-related accidents - and another 430 are seriously injured. Even consumed in small quantities, alcohol doubles the risk of a fatal accident. Nevertheless, one in four people in the current BFU population survey state that they still get behind the wheel at least occasionally after consuming two or more glasses of alcohol.
Significantly more men than women report such behavior. As the survey further shows, men also answer more frequently that they are still able to drive safely after three glasses or more. Overall, this percentage is down from the 2018 survey. Twenty-five percent of respondents feel they are no longer able to drive safely after just one glass; in 2018, the figure was 20 percent. The fact is, even one glass of alcohol affects driving ability. Reaction becomes slower, the stopping distance thus longer. Vision and concentration decrease, while fatigue and risk-taking increase.
However, the principle of the BFU campaign and the police also applies to the small circle of friends and family celebrations: If you drink, you don't drive.
How to get home safely
- For new drivers, there is a legal zero tolerance for alcohol. Even with more driving experience, the principle proves true: If you drink, don't drive.
- Use public transportation or cabs as an alternative to your own car.
- Do not drink alcohol when taking medications.
- To hosts: Always have non-alcoholic beverages available. Let alcoholized persons stay overnight at your place or organize a cab.
Source: AAIB
