ROAD SAFETY WEEK   . . . 7-13 JANUARY 2002 PRESIDENT: JC SANDEEP HEBLE The Awareness Campaign AVOID ALCOHOL WHILE DRIVING. It was not only in the case of Princess Diana that driving under the influence of liquor caused the accident. A lot many people drink and drive even when they know it is dangerous. There is nothing to explain this behaviour of people. Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only dangerous but illegal too. Certain drugs, especially anti-depressants, provoke a change in the ability to be vigilant, particularly when taken in combination with alcohol. These drugs react badly with alcohol and impair the judgement of a driver. Alcohol makes a person prone to accidents, reduces performance, morale, impairs judgement, co-ordination and slows the reaction time. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect the brain. A common misconception about alcohol is that it is a stimulant. It is not; it is actually a depressant. Alcohol hampers judgement, co-ordination and vision. It dulls our awareness and alertness. It disrupts motor behaviour, alertness, and readiness, and this leads to the reflexes becoming sluggish. All these can lead to highly erratic driving which in turn can lead to accidents and fatalities. Your best friend is one who will not let you drink if you are driving. In case you cannot resist taking a drink or two then resist driving. It is safer to use public transport or you can have a non- drinking friend drive you back home. If you and your friends are regular party- goers, each one of you can take turns to remain away from drinks and drive back home. The host can watch out for intoxicated guests and if found, such persons should not be permitted to drive home. Rather a driver should be provided to drop them home.