Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving in Ghana

Source: Ghana Driver’s Guide & Ghana Highway Code

Alcohol, Drugs & Driving in Ghana

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the leading causes of serious road accidents in Ghana. It is a criminal offence that endangers the driver, passengers, and all road users.

⚠️ Even small amounts of alcohol or certain medications can significantly impair driving ability. Drivers are fully responsible for ensuring they are fit to drive.

Effects of Alcohol on Driving

Alcohol affects critical driving abilities from the first drink. Even below legal limits, impairment occurs:

⏱️

Slowed Reaction Time

Takes longer to respond to hazards
Delayed braking and steering responses
Reduced ability to avoid collisions

🧠

Impaired Judgement & Decision-Making

Poor risk assessment
Overconfidence in driving ability
Increased willingness to take risks
Difficulty judging speed and distance

👁️

Visual & Coordination Problems

Blurred or double vision
Reduced night vision
Difficulty tracking moving objects
Poor muscle coordination

📉

Reduced Concentration

Shortened attention span
Difficulty multitasking
Easily distracted
Trouble staying in lane

🚨 There is NO safe amount of alcohol for driving. Even one drink can impair your driving ability.

Ghana's Legal Blood Alcohol Limit

Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Legal Limit in Ghana: 0.08% BAC for general drivers
Commercial/Professional Drivers: 0.00% BAC (Zero tolerance)
How BAC builds: Depends on weight, gender, food intake, and drinking rate
Elimination rate: Body processes about 1 standard drink per hour

💡 Important: BAC continues to rise even after you stop drinking. "Waiting a bit" doesn't make you safe to drive.

Drugs and Driving

Many substances impair driving, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines:

💊

Prescription Medications

Painkillers (opioids)
Sleeping pills and sedatives
Anti-anxiety medications
Some antidepressants
Muscle relaxants

🏪

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Cold and flu medications
Allergy medicines (antihistamines)
Some pain relievers
Motion sickness drugs

🚫

Illegal Drugs

Cannabis (marijuana)
Cocaine and crack
Amphetamines
Heroin and other opioids

⚠️

Common Effects

Drowsiness and fatigue
Blurred or altered vision
Slowed reaction times
Poor coordination
Hallucinations or paranoia

📋 Always read medicine labels and consult your doctor or pharmacist about driving safety. Avoid driving if warned.

Penalties for Drink and Drug Driving in Ghana

Ghana has strict penalties for driving under the influence:

💰

Heavy Fines

Substantial financial penalties up to 250 penalty units

⚖️

Imprisonment

Up to 12 months imprisonment for serious offences

📄

Licence Suspension/Cancellation

Immediate suspension and possible permanent cancellation

🏛️

Criminal Record

Court appearance and permanent criminal record

🔁 Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including longer imprisonment and permanent licence revocation.

Additional Consequences

Increased insurance premiums
Employment difficulties (especially for commercial drivers)
Vehicle impoundment
Mandatory rehabilitation programs

Dangerous Misconceptions About Alcohol and Driving

These false beliefs put lives at risk:

"I drive better after drinking"

Truth: Alcohol creates false confidence while impairing all driving skills.

"Coffee sobers me up"

Truth: Only time removes alcohol. Coffee just makes a wide-awake drunk.

"Short distances are safe"

Truth: Most alcohol-related accidents happen close to home.

"Experience cancels alcohol effects"

Truth: Alcohol impairs everyone equally regardless of driving experience.

⏰ Remember: Only TIME removes alcohol from your body. It takes about 1 hour to process 1 standard drink.

Driver Responsibilities

Responsible drivers must:

Plan ahead - Arrange alternative transport if you'll be drinking
Read labels - Check medication warnings about driving
Be honest - Admit when you're not fit to drive
Intervene - Stop friends from driving impaired
Lead by example - Show others that responsible driving matters

Safe Alternatives

Designate a sober driver before going out
Use ride-sharing services or taxis
Stay overnight if visiting friends
Use public transportation when available

Summary (Quick Revision)

🚫 NO safe alcohol level for driving - impairment starts with first drink

💊 Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can also impair driving

⚖️ Legal limit: 0.08% BAC (general), 0.00% (commercial drivers)

💰 Severe penalties: fines, imprisonment, licence loss, criminal record

⏰ Only TIME removes alcohol - not coffee, food, or showers

🛡️ Responsibility: Plan ahead, read labels, choose alternatives

🚨 Driving impaired endangers EVERYONE on the road

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Lesson 27 of 31 • Alcohol, Drugs & Driving in Ghana