Driving involves many tasks we too often take for granted.

Being alert is the trick and driving depends on being able to take immediate decisions.

Approximately half of traffic injuries involve alcohol, and about one-third of fatally injured passengers and pedestrians have elevated blook alcohol levels.

An estimated half a million people a year are killed worldwide as victims of a road accident. Of these, around 45,000 are killed on EU roads, while 1.6 million people are injured yearly in the EU. And most of these would be innocent pedestrians. (Transport Research Laboratory, UK2000)

Malta features at the top of the European charts with respect to the rate of youth consumption of alcohol. (ESPAD '99)

When the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is high, risks include impairment in:

• Eye movement
• Visual perception (especially during the night)
• Reaction time in executing tasks such as steering, braking and changing lanes.
• Judgement to adjust to changing road conditions is jeopardised.

Here are a couple of facts you need to know:

Medicine, Alcohol and other Drugs do not mix: sedatives and tranquillisers alone can impair driving skills. Combining them or other certain medications with alcohol or other drugs increases chances of a black out.

Fatigue: Remeber that the dangers posed when tired are similar to those when intoxicated.

Mobile phones: Focus on your driving!! The little one can wait - at least until you've pulled aside to a safe parking place. Well, it is illegal after all!

Do not drink and drive. Drinking on an empty stomach will get you drunk much faster and handling your vehicle can be very risky!

Buckle up. The 5-Second job can really prevent a trip to the emergency room or well... to the morgue.

Driving is fun, but it is still a skill that has to be applied with responsibility. Passing the driving test is not the end of the learning curve-it really is just the beginning.

Drive like you own the car, not the road. Be considerate and remeber... those indicators are not a decoration!!!

Spotting and responding to problems ahead in plenty of time will prevent you having an accident.

Surely, it's much more 'cool' making your way safely back home!

If there are three warped versions of your best friend Mike - please do not drive! If any friend can drive (and is sober), do get a lift. If there really are no cars available, do get a taxi back home (therefore leave some cash available!)

Likewise don't ride with someone who is drunk. Vice-versa, do not endanger your friends' lives - be considerate.

Finally, remeber that every single accident caused by a drunk driver is totally preventable - so please do prevent it!!!

Well, after all it's just for your own safety, and no... we are no lifeless souls! We love life the same way you do!