EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL|

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 42, 13 November 1936, Page 10

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL|

Doctors Unable to Form Standard Rule

“DEPENDS ON THE MAN"

After hearing the evidence of two medical men and an expert psychologist, the council was unable to arrive at a standard of the amount of alcohol a man could consume with safety before driving a car. The doctors agreed that the effect of alcohol depended largely on the man himself, and that it would he almost impossible to frame a satisfactory rule. The council decided to incorporate iu the proposed booklet to be issued with Jieeuces educative matter dealing with the dangers of the effect of alcohol on motor-drivers.

Dr. S. D. Rbind said the British Medical Association was anxious to help. It was very difficult to reach a satisfactory test, because, each man was a law unto himself. Variations in temperatures might affect him. and his capacity for drink might be affected by his state of health. There was', however, a capacity beyond which bis judgment was impaired. Blood Test Not Valuable. 11l reply to Mr. Talbot, Dr. Rhiud said he did not think a chemical test of the blood would be of great value iu drunkenness. Many persons would object to having their arms pierced and a sample of blood taken.

Mr. Laurensou: Is there any simple test by which a man could decide for himself whether he is fit to drive? Dr. Rbind: J do not think so. because one of the first things alcohol does is to remove a man's self-control, and he has not the sense to realise be is not lit to drive. The niceties of judgment would be impaired, although he might be quite all right. There are no fool-proof methods of test. Mr. J. F. Cousins: Would you say a man should not have a drink an hour or two before driving a ear? Dr. Rhiud: Certainly not. Many men could drink two whiskies with perfect safety before driving.

The doctor added that some men might drive more carefully after a drink. In answer to a question he said severe fatigue was just as dangerous a factor as moderate driuking. Dr. T. R. Ritchie, of the Health Department, said unbiased opinion appeared to be that an average man was able to deal with about 10 cubic centimetres, or one ounce of whisky an hour. If he took extra his body did not utilise it at more than that amount', so that the more he took the more there was a “hang-over.” Brom experiments it was indicated that where any fine work was required, even 30 cubic centimetres of alcohol affected it slightly. Self-Criticism Blunt enetl. The first effect of alcohol was that of blunlening self-criticism. A man was made a little more optimistic, and he therefore was unable to judge his condition. The question of habitual drinking was also a factor. The personal equation was mixed up with a driver’s experience, his intelligence, and his reaction time.

In reply to a question. Dr. Ritchie said he agreed that it was almost impossible to specify how much liquor a driver could have with safety. Dr. C. E. Beeby, of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research, said he was interested more in the educational aspect of the problem. Even small amounts of alcohol had a depressive effect and resulted in a decrease of manual dexterity. Probably the greatest breakdown occurred in the ability of a man to concentrate. Small amounts of alcohol would generally decrease the driving ability, but would not necessarily bring a man below the danger line for accidents. The Minister said ho thought the council should concentrate more on the educational aspect than on legislative restraint.

Mr. F. C. Spratt said the attitudes of tlie courts were significant. In a charge of intoxication in charge of a car the onus of proof had almost been shifted on to the defendant.

Dr. Beeby suggested an analysis of the causes of accidents. A large number of accidents were due to bad habits, and many drivers were not aware of their habits, lie said. Many drivers were accident-prone. In certain places in America bad drivers were given individual correction by experts. An efficient method would be the establishment of a school for bad drivers, or accident clinics.

Mr. Spratt said lie thought the last suggestion had distinct merits, and it might be advisable to set up a special sub-committee. CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS

Statistics For Analysis

With the object of compiling statistical information, the accident statistics committee submitted a comprehensive draft of a form to be filled in after an accident. The report, which was presented by the chairman of the sub-committee, Mr. .1. H Jerram. was adopted. The procedure to be followed in rhe . case-of an accident involving personal ! injury would be: (1) The driver would report the accident Io the nearest police station (as now required by taw) : (2) the police would till in as completely as possible the data required by the. form (in some cases this may not be linalised until legal proceedings, if any, are completed") ; (3) the form would then be forwarded by the Police Department to the Government Statistician for compiling accident records and analysis of contributory causes. “The committee therefore recommends that the co-operation of the Police Department be sought with a view to undertaking the reporting of accidents to Ihe Census and Statistics Department for compilation and analysis of causes,” stated the report. "The Commissioner of I’oliee has expressed his willingness to assist in this matter as far as possible, and there ap-> pears no reason why a suitable system on these lines might not be introduced at an early date. •’Tlie committee makes no recommendation Io the council at this stage regarding accidents involving damage to vehicles, but recommends lhat the collection of statistics should at present he confined solely to those accidents involving personal injuries.”