NDACC urges drivers to stay sober

The downside of holiday celebrations is that they are often accompanied by major alcohol induced traffic accidents. In an effort to reduce the carnage on the nation’s roads one organisation is giving the driving public a reminder.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

Motorists traveling downtown were given a reminder to “Think Before U Drink.” The slogan is the theme for the National Drug Abuse Control Council’s ongoing campaign to address traffic accidents. Since on the country will be celebrating the 19th anniversary of our Independence on Thursday, NDACC decided it was an appropriate time to caution drivers.

Marlon Mcnab, Belize District Coordinator, NDACC

“What we have seen from previous campaigns is that the traffic accident rate has significantly decreased so far this September celebrations up to the 10th and now we are going into the 21st. Throughout the 10th, we have had minor traffic accidents.”

(Woman crashes into a man’s bumper while being given a pamphlet)

Marlon Mcnab

“But we haven’t had any major traffic accidents like people dying and any fatalities and so forth. We think it is a complete success and people begin to look forward to it. Our ministry has continued to ask us to continue to do it. They provide the money to do it because it is a campaign that causes a lot of impact not only locally but regionally. People are adapting our Think Before U Drink slogan.”

But NDACC is not only focusing on drivers. As NDACC took the opportunity to promote other programmes they have on stream. A number of reading materials were handed out highlighting activities that focus on parents and children. Mcnab also spoke about a programme they plan to launch.

Marlon Mcnab

“We have linked up along with the Belize Organization For Women and Development, BOWAND, who have indicated to us through a survey that 72% percent of the domestic violence in Belize is directly related to alcoholic consumption so what we plan to do is a long term basis is to link up them and develop some strategies that we could initiate together and collaborate together to address that issue.”

Both the police and the Traffic department have assisted NDACC in their campaign. The campaign has also included a ride-a-thon, talk shows and radio ad.