“People have different tolerance levels for alcohol. Your second drink could very well be your final one,” Casualty Department Consultant Jonathan Joslin warned today.

He was speaking at the launch of #checkmate – this year’s edition of the annual Christmas-time Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign.

“Many victims of alcohol related accidents tell us that they only had one or two drinks. That is why it should be zero tolerance when it comes to driving,” Dr Joslin said.

Dr Charmaine Gauci, Director of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, said alcohol can seriously affect a driver’s reaction time, vision, tracking and concentration. It also affects coordination and comprehension – the ability to take rational decisions.

In Malta, Road Traffic Accidents account for the deaths of 8.1 men and 2.2 women for every 100,000 individuals aged over 15 each year. 15% of male deaths and 6% of female deaths are attributed to alcohol, according to a World Health Organisation report. 29% of those aged over 15 reported heavy episodic drinking, or binge drinking in 2014.

Dr Gauci said accidents can also leave pedestrians injured while they also had a big effect on relatives of the victims. “The message is zero tolerance. Not everyone is affected in the same way by alcohol. Many think that they can take it without being aware of the effects and consequences of their drinking.”

She appealed to people to enjoy themselves responsibly over the Christmas period. Those who drink should make use of the wide array of transport means, such as public transport, taxis and minibuses. Other options include designated drivers, calling someone to pick you up if you are unable to drive or making prior arrangements to stay overnight.

The campaign video sends out a message for everyone to keep an eye out over their mates, hence the #checkmate slogan. It shows a group of friends playing chess with one downing a tray of shooters. A female companion snatches the car keys from his hands as he tries to leave for home. “Accidents can be avoided if friends look out for each other.”

Superintendent Mario Tonna said the Police Force remains committed to keep the roads safe and prevent accidents. “The police will be out on the streets in force and we will start early this year,” the Superintendent said. While the police force worked to avoid accidents all year round, the busy Christmas period was more challenging, he said. He appealed to organisers of staff parties to organize transport for their colleagues.

The Superintendent also warned that the lowest fine for drink driving was€1,200 – among the highest in Europe – and said the money could be better spent on other things.

Sedqa Operations Manager Jesmond Schembri said there was a growing trend of people consuming alcohol with drugs. This led to stronger effects on the body and driving.

A Civil Protection Department official said: “Go out and have fun, but please do not make us come get you out of a wrecked car.”

The Malta Touring Club reminded cyclists to wear high visibility vests, especially when cycling in the early hours.

The Blood Bank appealed for more donations and warned that accidents could lead to a depletion of blood reserves. 

Photos: Jonathan Borg