19 December 2005
As we enter the festive holiday season, the Department of Health would like to warn the public on the hazards of alcohol abuse and its tragic consequences both in our homes and public roads.
It is unfortunate that the festive season, which is associated with meetings and celebrations with families and friends, is also the time that the country experiences an increase in injuries and deaths as a direct result of violent crime and road accidents involving both pedestrians and motorists.
Alcohol continues to be a major contributor to increased fatalities arising from intentional and non-intentional injuries. The indirect result of this is a huge strain our already over-stretched health-care system including emergency services, personnel and overall health care costs.
According to the recent Medical Research Council (MRC)'s Crime, Violence and Injury Programme study, alcohol accounts for up to 53% of road deaths including pedestrians. In the country's major cities such as Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Tshwane 48% of people killed by non-natural causes had positive blood alcohol concentration (concentration above the legal limit of 0,05 g/100 ml). For road deaths alone the figures is 52%.
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.
As it is customary this time of the year, the Department of Health - in support of the "Arrive Alive Campaign" - will be embarking on an awareness campaign with emphasis on road safety and general health promotion. The campaign is aimed at highlighting the dangers of drinking by road users and also educating our communities on the adverse effects of alcohol on the well-being and the economy of our country.
The Department therefore wishes to urge all people to celebrate 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.
Remember, alcohol kills!
Issued by the National Department of Health
Chief Directorate: Communications
Enquiries: Solly Mabotha
Departmental Spokesperson
083 678 9860
or Samantha Bloem 082 339 8578