PETALING JAYA: Consuming even a small amount of alcohol can render one unfit to drive, experts have reiterated.
Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Addiction Sciences head Dr Rusdi Abd Rashid said new drinkers could feel the intoxication effects even when the amount consumed was small.
“For those who have not consumed alcohol before, even a small amount can affect them,” he said.
“But even for those who are used to drinking, their reflexes will be slower and their judgement will be affected. These, coupled with blurry vision, can lead to accidents.”
Rusdi added that alcohol would lead to two types of effects – acute and chronic.
“Heavy drinkers would become dependent on the alcohol and this could lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as trembling, being unable to focus while driving and delayed responses. Worst still, the person could experience seizures.”
Rusdi said there was no safe level for alcohol consumption when it comes to health risks, adding that one could be affected even with 0.02% blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Some would experience blurred vision and a BAC level of 0.05% could cause impairment of coordination, balance and reflexes as well as reduce one’s ability to respond, he said.
“A BAC level of 0.08% will result in an inability to control the speed, disruptions to muscle coordination and loss of focus while a BAC of 0.10% could make one’s voice become inaudible, apart from difficulty in processing information.
“When the BAC level is at 0.15%, it will cause complete loss of control including muscle paralysis, loss of hearing and vision,” he added.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) president Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon urged drinkers to make a responsible choice between drinking or driving – and not do both.
“Driving on public roads is a serious thing – you are managing a very serious machine and if you fail to handle it safely, you are not only affecting your safety but also many other road users who are innocent.
“These people, they did not choose to drink and drive, nor did they choose to drive recklessly but they end up being the victims because of someone else’s mistakes.
“This is preventable, especially since we have a lot of ehailing services. Drinkers can always plan,” he said, warning that those with alcohol in their system would have a 50% slower response.
