The Perth car crash involving 3 cars was caused by a driver who was six times over the limit, according to Police. Although no one was injured in the crash the man is due to appear in court later this month. Abc.net.au posted this report:

A Perth man involved in a three car crash has been charged with driving with a blood alcohol level six times higher than the legal limit. Police say the 37-year-old man, from Hocking in Perth”s north, gave a blood alcohol reading of 0.3 per cent. The legal limit in WA is 0.05 per cent. Police tested the man after the crash on Woodvale Drive yesterday afternoon. Officers say it”s fortunate no-one was seriously injured. The man is due to appear in court later this month. Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-21/drink-driver/4145566

The danger of alcohol is that is impairs judgement, making drivers over-confident and more likely to take risks. It slows their reactions, increases stopping distances required, impairs judgement of speed and distance, reduces the ability to concentrate and blurs or distorts vision. Many drivers feel totally capable of driving even after they have had too much to drink because alcohol gives them confidence and boldness, an invincible feeling, so they think they can safely drive. But even a small amount of alcohol, well below the legal limit, seriously affects the ability to drive safely. Alcohol slows reflexes, relaxes the brain, reduces response time and inhibits rational thinking, which makes driving a very bad idea, and a dangerous one. The worst part of getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated is the possibility that an innocent person may be killed if you cause a crash and you will have to live with the consequences of your actions for the rest of your life. Countless numbers of lives and families have been destroyed by drunk drivers. Alcohol reduces your ability to drive safely. No-one drives as well as usual after drinking alcohol, even though some people may look and act as though they are unaffected. Alcohol affects most areas of your brain, so the effects are wide-ranging and impossible to compensate for.  Alcohol is a depressant which means that it :

• Slows brain functions so that you can’t respond to situations, make decisions or react quickly which is vital on any road.
• Reduces your ability to judge how fast you are moving or your distance from other cars, people or objects.
• Gives drivers a false sense of confidence and boldness. You may take greater risks because you think your driving is better than it really is.
• Makes it harder to multitask. Drivers who are drunk cannot do more than one thing – while you concentrate on steering, you could miss seeing traffic lights, cars entering from side streets or pedestrians.
• Affects your sense of balance which is especially important if you ride a motorcycle. Just ask an intoxicated person to walk a straight line? an almost impossible task for them to accomplish.
• Makes you drowsy and places you at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

The fact that drivers are continuing to place the lives of fellow road users at risk because of drink driving is sad. The recent case in New Zealand where a man was jailed after hitting into 2 innocent young girls walking along the road highlights the dangers of drink driving and the enormous negative impact it has on society. An 8 year old girl suffered near fatal brain injuries when a drunk driver rammed into her as she walked on the pavement with a friend. To make matters worse the driver attempted to flee the scene of the accident but due to the damage caused to his vehicle was unable to do so. If these 2 incidents are anything to go by our society has developed an attitude of tolerance towards drink driving. Sadly lives are being lost daily due to this behaviour which is why authorities have adopted a zero tolerance approach to drunk drivers. Be responsible when you are out enjoying yourself. Call a taxi, call a friend or walk home but never endanger your life or their lives of innocent bystanders as you may not be able to live with the consequences.