Fusion in Hermanus
Much focus is placed on the dangers of drunk driving! We spent much time and effort in creating awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence, telling people about how much is too much and warning them about the dangers of drunk driving!
The liquor companies have joined these efforts with well know campaigns from SAB such as ‘Draw the Line” and “Reality Check” – and Brandhouse with “Drive Dry”. To ensure the safety of “party people” we require in my mind 3 basic components:
– Awareness that drunk driving is dangerous, a crime and a threat to the safety of yourself and others
– Effective Law enforcement through road blocks, breathalyzers, sentencing, rehabilitation etc
– Initiatives to get intoxicated people off the roads and safely to their homes.
Our responsible drinking and driving campaigns focus mostly on the first component. The new SAB “Reality check campaign” also focus on the 2nd component in assisting law enforcement to perform effective combating of drunk driving through “SHADOW” centres etc.
But what are we doing to achieve the third component of getting these people at home safely? This will require a combined effort from Government, the private sector and individuals. We need to improve our public transportation, have effective commuting services from pubs and restaurants and have friends act as designated drivers.
These are all aspects that require more discussion on the Road Safety Blog. For now I would like to refer to a nice initiative I have recently spotted in Hermanus at the Fusion restaurant. Fusion partnered in a safety initiative with a well known liquor brand to have a rather unique vehicle available to take those who have had to many to their homes!
Perhaps more restaurants and pubs could be pro-active in ensuring that customers are able to survive and visit them again!!
View the Arrive Alive website for more information on drunk driving / responsible driving.
Courtesy vehicle at Fusion
