Impaired driving - Alcohol Prevention week
PORT DICKSON 26th Dec 2023 – Impaired driving - Alcohol Prevention week
As we head into the festive and new year season many end of year functions are planned.
It’s a time of year where families gather to be together, or workplaces celebrate the end of the year and thank their staff for a job well done.
For some, these celebrations may involve the servicing and consumption of alcohol.
Alcohol can affect the body in two ways. Firstly, its immediate affects, which are to interfere with the brains ability to function normally leading to change in behaviour, loss of coordination and impeding the ability of people to think clearly.
Secondly over the long-term excessive alcohol consumption can cause chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease and cancer.
In Malaysia it is an offence to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Under the Road Transport Act 1987 it is an offence to drive a vehicle:
- Under the influence of alcohol to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, or
- Having an alcohol content in one’s breath, blood or urine which exceeds the prescribed limit of (October 2020, Malaysian Road Traffic Law - amended)
- 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath;
- 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood; or
- 107 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine.
At UCSI Hospital, we unfortunately see an increased number of patients presenting with injuries relating to, or being involved in accidents where, alcohol was a factor.
How to prevent alcohol related accidents or injuries?
At UCSI Hospital PD our medical staff are advocates for responsible alcohol consumption. Preferentially select non-alcohol drinks when socialising or only have one beverage containing alcohol.
If attending an event where alcohol is being served, there are many options for getting home at the end if the night including taxis, grab or companies that supply hire a driver to return you and your car home.
Are you concerned about your alcohol consumption or addiction to alcohol?
According to Code Blue, almost 50% of Malaysians consumes alcoholic drinks- approximately double the number of countries such as Indonesia and the United Kingdom. Reportedly, 45.8% of Malaysians consume excessive amounts of alcohol. (These numbers were gathered by the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS)- a survey conducted by the Institute for Public Health Malaysia) www.iku.gov.my
Symptoms of alcohol addiction can include:
- not being able to control your alcohol consumption
- experiencing strong cravings to consume alcohol
- wanting to stop consumption but not being able to do so successfully
- having to drink more alcohol to feel its effects
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
If you experience any of the above or feel you may have an alcohol addiction problem, it is important to seek medical attention.
At UCSI Hospital PD we have an emergency and accident department open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as experienced medical specialists who are able to diagnose and help treat alcohol addiction.
Contact UCSI Hospital Bandar Springhill PD at +606-648 8888 (Main)/ +606-648 8999 (Emergency) for more details, and speak to our medical care professionals today at UCSI Hospital PD.
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