The Importance of Checking Blood Alcohol Content on Roads for Lessening Traffic Collisions
Unleashing the Brakes on Ghana's Road Carnage
Road accidents continue to wreak havoc globally, with staggering numbers revealing that about 1.3 million souls perish annually due to these catastrophes on wheels. The World Health Organization (WHO) painted this grim picture in June 2022, with 93% of these fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Ghana isn't faring better in this morbid race, as the nation grapples with the devastating impacts of road accidents. Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention peg fatal road injuries as one of the top 10 causes of death in Ghana.
From 1991 to 2020, a whopping 302,712 crashes involving 477,609 motor vehicles were recorded in Ghana, according to the Building and Road Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of Ghana (BRRI). In 2016, the World Bank reported that road accidents siphoned off 8.2% of Ghana's GDP. Although a recent report from the National Road Safety showed a 4.67% reduction in road crash incidents during the first five months of 2022 in Ghana, the sad reality is that about 1,140 persons still perished during this period.
The Leading Accusations
Drunk driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI), is a major contributor to road accidents in Ghana. Studies have shown that the severity of accidents and deaths arising from DUI is influenced by the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver. BAC is an essential gauge used to determine a driver's level of intoxication: the higher the BAC, the greater the potential for catastrophe.
The Groundswell for BAC Crackdown
Research indicates that the likelihood of a fatal crash escalates substantially at a BAC of 0.050mg/ml and above. At this level, all drivers are said to be impaired when it comes to driving performance. Consequently, many countries worldwide have revised their BAC limit from 0.08% to 0.050% due to the meager increase in crash risk at the 0.05 BAC limit.
The deleterious effects of alcohol on human skills have been documented even at the lowest measurable levels of intoxication, with its negative impacts increasing in an approximately exponential manner as BAC rises. Alcohol intoxication can impair drivers' ability to operate a vehicle and elevate the likelihood of speeding, improper seat-belt usage, and driving the striking vehicle. The more inebriated a driver becomes, the faster the average speed, and the more severe the accident.
Steering Toward Change
In light of the devastating consequences associated with motor vehicle accidents, several strategies have been proposed to curb the prevalence of DUI in Ghana. A study by Damsere-Derry et al. (2014) recommends the following measures:
- Maximizing Roadside Testing: Enhancing the frequency of randomized roadside breath tests can help reduce the occurrence of DUI-related traffic crashes and fatalities in Ghana.
- Defining Standard Drink Quantities: Making the public aware of standard drink sizes through intense media education is crucial in helping curb DUI.
- Raising the Minimum Legal Drinking Age: Increasing the minimum legal drinking age to 21 years can help minimize the number of underage drinkers and, in turn, reduce DUI-related accidents.
- Lowering the BAC Limit for Youth: Reducing the legal BAC limit for youth from the current 0.08% to 0.05% could further decrease DUI-related accidents and fatalities.
- Implementing Protective Behavioral Strategies: Encouraging safe drinking practices, such as drinking slowly or avoiding situations that promote excessive drinking, can help reduce the likelihood of DUI.
- Alcohol Consumption Interventions: Implementing measures designed to reduce overall alcohol consumption can potentially contribute to decreasing the number of DUI-related accidents.
Recently, companies like Yango Group and Guinness Ghana PLC have stepped up efforts to address the issue of drunk driving, launching a nationwide "Don't Drink and Drive" campaign. While not specifically geared towards drunk driving, initiatives like the "Stay Alive Ghana Campaign," which emphasizes safe driving practices, can indirectly contribute to reducing the impact of DUI by promoting overall road safety.
In conclusion, it's evident that if we're to steer clear of the quagmire of road accidents caused by DUI, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This includes stricter enforcement of DUI laws, widespread public education, protective behavioral strategies, and interventions aimed at reducing overall alcohol consumption. The Ghanaian government's ongoing efforts to address the problem by reviewing the BAC limit are commendable and deserve our support.
- Enhancing mental health awareness among Ghana's youth is crucial, as they are more susceptible to the negative impacts of alcohol, which can lead to drunken driving.
- Beyond road safety, it is essential to invest in the health-and-wellness sector of Ghana, providing resources for substance abuse treatment and mental health support.
- Education plays a pivotal role in stemming the tide of road accidents, as knowledge of safe driving practices and the dangers of drunk driving can deter young people from engaging in such behavior.
- Scientific research on the effects of alcohol on driving performance can inform policies aimed at improving mental health, reducing drunk driving, and promoting overall well-being among Ghana's youth.
