Man?s main asset is his brain, the seat of his intelligence. There he processes thoughts and makes either creative or destructive choices. Motorised vehicles are products of man?s intelligence. While they obviously are much stronger than his feet, they are totally dependent on his control for appropriate use. Wrong choices, such as drinking and driving, can transform them into life-threatening weapons. Vehicles do not think for themselves, and this we should never forget!

Minds impaired by alcohol claim for more than 27% of fatal accidents in the US while psychological and physiological injuries related to drunken driving count for tens of thousands worldwide. In 2004, tiny Mauritius counted 344 alcohol related accidents while breath-test figures from May 2005 to October 2005 (383 positive v/s 577 negative) call for a more responsible attitude towards impaired driving.

Alcohol is unfortunately a great socialiser. Drivers never drink alone, therefore when they drink and drive, it is a shared responsibility that hosts are called upon to shoulder. At parties, hosts should therefore ensure they provide enough alternative non-alcoholic drinks for drivers. They should never encourage over-consumption of alcohol and exert pressure or insist when someone declines a drink. Offering a drunk driver to sleep over is a life-saver while he can also be dropped at his house but should never be allowed to drive in that state.

Drunken driving wrecks lives and, by failing to control the amount drivers drink, we obviously become accomplices in their misdeeds.

With the end-of-year festivities approaching, around 50 people have responded to Alain Jeannot?s initiative to launch a poster campaign all over the island with the aim of reducing accidents related to drunken drinking. He has enlisted the help of Dr Yuva Paratian and Inspector Buntipilly for talks to inform the public of the dangers of drinking and driving.The campaign was officially launched last Saturday by Father Henri Souchon of Immaculée Conception Church in Port-Louis. The editing team of ?outlook? has committed itself to help this initiative coming from ordinary citizens who feel very concerned with a major social problem. Until the end of the year, this space will be devoted to this effort. If you want to learn more about the campaign or help in any way, we can put you in contact with the organisers.

Alain JEANNOT