Arrive alive [en]
Don't drink and drive. Arrive Alive.
You can prevent alcohol-related road traffic crashes. Learn more & get involved #ArriveAlive
Do not let celebrations turn into tragedies
Drink driving is a big problem in Africa, especially for young people. Did you know that road crashes are a leading cause of death and disability in Africa? In 2019, over 60,000 young people aged 15-29 died from road injuries in the African region (that’s over 6 people every hour) and many of these crashes involve alcohol.
Yet, the truth is alcohol-related road injuries and road traffic crashes are 100% preventable. Drink driving can change the trajectory of your life and others for the worse. It only takes one drink to lead to a fatal car crash. Do the right thing; stay sober if you are driving. Always choose to #ArriveAlive.
Let’s get the facts straight
There are many things people say to convince themselves that drink driving is acceptable. Let’s clear these up.
“It’s only one drink! It won’t affect my driving.”
“Even one drink impairs your judgement. One of the major causes of road deaths is alcohol, whether you drink little or a lot. Alcohol, even at low to moderate levels, causes poor balance, poor vision, poor reaction time, poor judgement – the perfect cocktail for road injuries and deaths.”
“I’m only putting myself at risk. There’s no one else in my car or on my motorcycle.”
Drink driving puts other people in danger such as pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers. When you consume alcohol and drive, you can not only cause injury, road crashes and or death for yourself, but you can put others at risk too. Don’t be careless, be considerate.
“If I don’t drink, I won’t have fun!”
You can have fun without alcohol. There are many ways to have fun without alcohol. You can dance, sing, play games, eat, and enjoy the company of your friends and family. You can also have fun by being a designated driver and ensuring your friends and family get home safely.
“I’m a great driver! It doesn’t matter if I drink or not.”
The truth is simple. Do not drink and drive. Did you know that all alcohol-related injuries and road traffic crashes are preventable? Consuming alcohol increases your risk of injuries, road crashes and death, and puts many other people at risk too. Staying sober is a great way to ensure your safety and that of others. Always choose to arrive alive.
#ArriveAlive Campaign Video
4 Golden Rules to #ArriveAlive
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If you are driving, stay sober.
If you drink, do not drive. Instead, organise a non-drinking friend to drive you or use public transport such as a bus, train or taxi to ensure you get home safe.
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Do your best to make sure people you ride in a vehicle or motorcycle with are not drinking as well. Being under the influence can lead to risky behaviours such as not using seat belts or helmets, speeding, and the use of drugs.
Be a designated driver. If you are not drinking, offer to drive your friends and family home safely.
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Learn more about how you can prevent drink driving. Download the ‘Arrive Alive’ handbook.
“After a night of drinking, my friend Biodun decided to drive us home. We got into a major car crash. I survived with minor injuries, but Biodun didn’t make it. Losing him in that way was a harsh reality check,and I regret that night every single day."
"I remember that day so well. I was just trying to cross the road. But suddenly, a drunk motorcyclist came speeding and hit me.I was left with severe injuries and a long road to recovery. Please, don't drink and drive."
“I can't believe it s been six years since the accident. My life changed in an instant. The driver who hit us was drunk, and since then, I’ve not been able to walk again. I still have nightmares about that night. I hope no one ever has to experience what I went through."
"I knew drink driving was bad. But I told myself it was only a short drive home. I ran a red light and hit an elderly couple. They didn’t make it. I lost my job and served time in jail. My life has never been the same. I hate that I did this."
Here’s how African countries can reduce alcohol-related injuries and road traffic crashes
WHO recommends that countries should set Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits in accordance with best practice. BAC limits refer to how much alcohol you can have in your bloodstream. According to WHO, for most people, the recommended BAC limit is 0.05% or less. African governments should follow WHO recommendations and make policy changes to reduce drink driving in their countries.
