22 December 2004
The Department of Health is concerned about the adverse effects of alcohol abuse in our country and the ever-increasing health and socio-economic consequences – especially around this time of the year.
Alcohol abuse is associated with increased mortality and morbidity arising from intentional and non-intentional injuries.
Alcohol abuse has been found to be a major contributory factor in road deaths. It accounts for up to 60% of road deaths including pedestrians.
In the country’s major cities such as Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth 39% of trauma patients had breath alcohol concentration above the legal limit of 0,05 g/100 ml.
Of these cases – 73% are road related. These situations put a strain on an already over-stretched health-care system including emergency services, personnel and overall health care costs.
It is also estimated that alcohol related costs associated with pedestrian trauma alone are in excess of R86 million annually.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) projections suggest that by 2020 – road traffic crashes could rank third in the order of causes of mortality and morbidity.
The Department of Health – in support of the "Arrive Alive Campaign" has embarked on a road safety campaign for this festive season.
The campaign is aimed at creating public awareness on the dangers of drinking and driving and to contribute in the fight against road carnage in South Africa.
The Department therefore wishes to urge people to act responsibly during this holiday period by refraining from activities that could lead to unnecessary injuries or loss of life.
As we all enjoy the festive season, we call upon drivers and pedestrians alike to not drink and drive or not to drink and walk on the road. Alcohol kills!
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Issued by the National Department of Health
Chief Directorate: Communications
Enquiries: Solly Mabotha @ 073 404 1758