- By: Zainab Ramzan
Drink-driving, which is also known very commonly in the present day as driving under the influence of alcohol, poses a serious threat to public health and carries deadly risks for the driver and other road users. Alcohol interferes with fundamental functions required for reaction time, coordination, and judgment of a driver, making the act extremely hazardous to drive a vehicle.
In Pakistan, the problem of drinks and driving is an issue that is extremely serious and multi problem presenting traffic safety challenges. Even though there are laws prohibiting acts under the impact, the weakness of the legal system still relates to the police, and the police remain unrelated to weaknesses of frequent cases of corruption. The inadequacy is coupled with cultural attitudes that may normalize the risks associated with drinking and driving. As a consequence, road accidents and deaths associated with drink-driving in Pakistan are very high, generating considerable pressure on the health system with severe consequences on social and economic fronts for families concerned by such incidents.
The solution to this problem involves stricter traffic laws enforcement, comprehensive public information campaigns and systematic improvements in the legal and health measures to better address consequences of alcohol consumption.
Pakistan needs to punish criminals strongly, although checking should be strict, through breath analyzer and stern penalty against violators, and the offenders may be treated impartially. In order to prevent drinking and driving properly, Pakistan must strengthen its law enforcement measures; such measures include strict checks, the use of breath analyzers, and treating the offenders impartially. It is equally possible for a change in attitude and action if there is a start towards a nationwide campaign educating the public on the dangers of drunk driving. Education must start with the people, bringing home the effects of drinking and driving into real life and responsible conducts. These campaigns can be sustained through media entities like television, radio, and social networks.
Introduction of information education in school and community sites on alcohol or driving risks would have a long-term impact. Strengthening the legal system so as to expedite the prosecution of offenders would also help deter potential criminals. Additional mitigations include equipping healthcare facilities with proper equipment in preparation for debris from accidents, as well as support to accident victims and their families. Collectively, these steps are more contributory to a holistic approach in reducing the incidence of driving
under the Influence activities.
Drinking and driving can be avoided by encouraging the use of other transport means, which may include assigned drivers or horse riding services. Activate local leaders and organizations to promote safe driving practices and encourage local efforts on reducing drunk driving. If you know where you are going and what you are drinking, plan for how you are getting there: ask for a designated driver; use public transportation; reserve a ride-sharing service. Have a designated driver stay sober and to ensure everyone gets home safely. You can find good ride-sharing services through apps like Uber orfriends, you may party all night instead of driving home drunk. Make use of buses, trains as well as other public transport when possible. Involve or promote a community project designed to promote safe driving practices and offer options for continuing under the influence.
This means data collection and analysis on drunk driving cases are improved, which helps understand the magnitude and develops targeted interventions. Support services to alcoholics help address the causes of drink driving. By doing so, Pakistan can make very good progress in reducing drink driving and improving road safety.
More than 150 road accident deaths have occurred in the Karachi city over the last 10 months due to drunk,” said the official. According to the data of traffic police, till October 31, 147 road accidents reports were received from different hospitals in the city. According to the reports, 154 people died in 147 accidents in the various parts of the city. In 41 negligence accidents, around 135 people were injured. Over the last few years, we have seen that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is responsible for many deaths.
An Incident occurred in Karachi claiming a life and injuring several others when once again a speeding SUV driven by a woman went out of control near Karsaz and crashed into a motorcycle and another vehicle killing two and injuring four. A service road bore testimony to murder of the father and daughter killed on the spot after an SUV crashed into the motorcycle. A third person is under treatment who was left wounded in the accident according to other reports the third victim has died at the hospital. Another case arise in Just a few months ago, one man — driving allegedly while drunk — ran over and killed a man and a woman on Karachi’s Korangi Road.
The case was eventually settled after paying ‘blood money’ under the country’s Qisas and Diyat laws.
Therefore, this is the only cure that can help Pakistan successfully battle this threat of drinking and driving: concerted effort that comprises tougher law enforcement, more public awareness, and some structural changes in the legal and healthcare sectors. As these elements are streamlined effectively, Pakistan will be able to have far less tremendous road accidents with alcohol, thereby bringing overall road safety. “Drinking alcohol is harmless but carries a risk when driving. Every choice matters. Choose life, choose safety. Remember, a moment’s temptation can lead to a lifetime of regret”.