The Effects of Drunk Driving

There were about 2,300 motorists arrested for drunk driving in the first three quarters of 2013. This is 9% higher compared to the same period in 2012. This has caused the State for Home Affairs to strengthen their reminder to the public that drinking and driving is a deadly combination. With this, the agency launched the STCars Anti-Drive Campaign.

The campaign amended guidelines in regards to drunk driving and its legal punishments. For first time offenders, they can face one year of being barred from driving, plus a maximum of S$5000 fine and 6 months of jail time. For repeat offenders, they will pay a maximum of S$30000 and compulsory three years of jail time. Drinking can affect:

  • Vision – Alcohol can affect your vision. Drunken people often convey that they experience visual impairment especially blurred vision.
  • Coordination – Drinking too much can affect your overall coordination. You will experience decreased foot, hand and eye coordination.
  • Concentration – Alcohol can affect your concentration. When you drink too much, you will surely feel too drowsy and tired. You will bump into something or someone when this happens.
  • Comprehension – Drinking too much can hamper your decision making. You will notice that your ability to create logical decisions deteriorates.
  • Reflexes – You should know that alcohol can slow down your impulses or reflexes. Your ability to react quickly to varying situations will be affected when you drink too much.
  • Judgment – When you have too much to drink, you will notice that your ability to judge will decrease. For example, you will not discern which line to follow, the position of your vehicle, and you will not heed road signs.