Seasonal Driving Risks Warning

December 14 - With the Christmas season upon us, it is not unlikely that many South Africans find themselves attending office parties or other celebrations.

But while many drivers arrange transport for themselves so that they don't need to drink and drive on the night of the party, many don't realize that there are dangers in driving the following day as well.

"Morning after driving should be delayed substantially or avoided altogether," said FNB Insurance Brokers General Manager of Marketing, Debbie Barret.

Drivers may not be aware that the alcohol is still very much in their bloodstream the next morning, because the affects may not be as powerful.

"Vehicle repair costs are rising fast while the rate of alcohol breakdown remains quite low," said the General Manager of Operations at FNB, Bernd Gerhard.

"Put the two together and morning after motorists face risks they can't even begin to qualify," he noted.

According to FNB, insurance cover is invalidated if alcohol is found in the blood stream above the limit.

As such, the motorist found driving with a higher-than-permitted limit will be liable for repair costs, injury claims and legal action, warns the insurance giant.

"As brokers with many motor insurance clients, we like to think they act responsibly and won't drink and drive," said Barret.

"But one category of apparently responsible drivers deserves special attention - those that arrange transport on the night of the party, drive the next morning and are found to be over the limit because alcohol is still in their system."

"Extenuating circumstances do not remove liability should be involved in an accident," she said. "They might face huge restitution claims in their personal capacity."