Over the last few months, the Ministry of Health has recorded an increase in vehicular accidents leading to severe injuries and death on the island’s roads.

Despite an increase in public awareness, drinking and driving continues. When alcohol is consumed, many of the skills that safe driving requires such as judgment, concentration, comprehension, coordination, visual acuity and reaction time all become impaired.

“Alcohol intake is a recipe for disaster” were the words of Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac while addressing a gathering in Vieux Fort on Feb. 8. She said whilst accidents may occur due to human error, she believes alcohol consumption is one of the major contributors, not only to accidents but to non-communicable diseases.

“Alcohol consumption is a horrible problem in our society. We hear about the road accidents and the majority of these accidents involve alcohol consumption. Sometimes the people do not make the association because the accident takes place in the middle of the day but after a night of heavy drinking, alcohol stays in your system. When you get behind the wheel it becomes a weapon of destruction with that mix of alcohol. Some people say I drink at nights, or I drink when I get home, but that alcohol is in your system and it impairs your judgement when you go out there and drive. So a lot of these accidents taking place in the day are still alcohol related, in addition, it is a contributor to diabetes.”

Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol is a serious crime.

The Minister expressed her deepest condolences to families who have lost loved ones in recent times and is pleading to citizens to be responsible, refrain from substance abuse, and practice safe driving.

She said alcohol intake can be dangerous and potentially lethal.