Alcohol And Vision

White Ribbon, Volume 26, Issue 12, 1 May 1955, Page 1

Alcohol And Vision

It will not be disputed, that if a driver of a car is to avoid accidents, he must, at least, be able to see where he «s going and what is happening along the road he is travelling. This ability is impaired by alcohol. Alcohol attacks most markedly peripheral vision —seeing things at the edge of direct vision, to put it simply and unscientifically. Dr. W. M. l airlie, for 23 years, a divisional sm-geon Vith the London Metropolitan Police, writes: “In daylight, the central part of the retina is used mostly to receive images, but in the darkness, this part of the retina becomes night blind, and images are received towards the periphery. ... If good night vision is to be obtained,

no alcohol should have l>een taken previously; in fact, it is most essential that night drivers should abstain from taking alcohol, even in the smallest amounts or mildest forms." One glass of pale ale reduces peripheral vision by 11 per cent. The conclusion is as pjam as a pikestaff. Alcohol is a menace to ROAD SAFETY. It is not the only cause of accidents, but it is a considerable factor. And it is not only the drunken driver, who is a danger to himself and others; it also tlve man or woman, who has just had “one for the road." THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK—ITS TOO LATE AFTERWARDS. —Edward Rogers, M.A., London.

Dear “White Ribbon” Sisters, You will rejoice to learn that Miss Kirk is nowon the road to recovery, though it may be a slow one to travel. She sends you all her love* and especial thanks to Convention members, who so helped with loving prayers, ietters and messages. In some three weeks from now, we look forward to having her at home in Wellington, once more. Yours very sincerely, JANET ATKINSON.

Invercargill, March 22, 1955. NOTE: The above letter was received too late for publication in the “White Ribbon” in April, and this was unfortunate, for all our members will be anxious to receive news of Miss Kirk, .whom we left in Hospital at the close of Convention. Our prayers and loving wishes will continue, to surround Miss Kirk as she makes her recovery to health and strength once more.— Editor.