DOCTOR’S ADVICE TO DRIVERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23332, 26 October 1937, Page 11

DOCTOR’S ADVICE TO DRIVERS

A symposium on medical aspects of motoring is contained in the latest issue of the Practitioner. The effect of alcohol on drivers is discussed by Dr Alexander Baldie (Divisional Surgeon, Metropolitan Police, and honorary phychotherapist, West End Hospital for Nervous Diseases), who gives a list of “ refreshment rules of the road.” , , , Among his suggestions are the following:—On any occasion on which the use of alcohol is a contemplated ritual, leave the car at home. Avoid alcohol for at least two hours before driving; this period is strictly applicable only to the most modest and conventional amounts. Especially avoid alcohol on long Journeys. Avoid alcohol on any journey undertaken alone. Any alcohol consumed should be taken only with meals. Do not select an alcoholic beverage merely to relieve thirst; a routine practice of sipping cold water at intervals on a journey will often counteract fatigue and often remove any desire for alcohol. The wheat should never be mixed with the grape; “cocktails” and spirits are relatively “ explosive ” in their action; beer is apt to cause drowsiness under conditions of fatigue or monotony. Never speed the parting guest who has been already well entertained and who has to drive home with “ just another little drink.”