ALTHOUGH this article does not deal with rape, murder, robberies, awareness and self-defence skills, I thought it necessary to share some poems on drinking and driving since it is the same as killing and "raping" of family lives.

Despite the high-profile facts about how alcohol affects driving accuracy and safety and despite the stark statistics about how many people are killed and injured each year as a result, many drivers continue to think they are immune to alcohol's effects on their driving.

Why should you drink alcohol, get behind the wheel and drive and honestly think that it is ok? You then have to determine whether the oncoming car is to pass on your right or left side. In your drunken stupor, you see everything double and in slow motion. You are a killer on the rampage. Why don't you drive sober, reach your destination, park your car, throw the keys away and booze till you can take no more and your heart stops beating.?

It is during the festive season that many people travel across our country and they would like to reach their destinations safely as well as return safely. We agree that accidents do happen, but accidents involving drunk drivers can surely be avoided. Holidays are some of the most dangerous times of the year on the road. Holiday should be a time to spend with loved ones, not bury them.

Very few events are more tragic than the death of an innocent victim in a crash caused by a drunk driver. That person could be a mother of two small children who just ran out of milk and was on the way to the shop and is now fighting for her life in a hospital bed. It could be a family of five on their way to a holiday destination wiped out, killed by a drunk driver.

The good news is that you can help innocent people from being hurt by drunk drivers by getting others to think twice about whether to drink and drive. Please read the following short poems for all those people who think it's okay to drink and drive.
Drink and Drive
Near the door,
he paused to stand, as he took his ring off her hand.
All who were watching
did not speak,
as a silent tear ran down his cheek
and in his mind
the memories ran
of the moments theywalked and ran in the sand.
But now her eyes
are very cold
for he would never again
have her to hold.
They watched in silence,
as he bent near
and whispered the words
I love you in her ear.
He touched her face
and began to cry,
as he put his ring on
and wanted to die.
Just then the wind
began to blow,
as they lowered her
casket into the ground.
This is what happens
to man alive when friends let friends drink and drive
(Colleen F. Finnigan)

Death of an Innocent
I went to a party and I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, so I drank soda instead.
I felt really proud inside, just the way you said I would.
I didn't drink and drive, even though the others said I should.
I know I did the right thing,
'cause I know you're always right.
Now the dance is over, as everyone drives out of sight.
As I got in my car, I knew I'd be okay.
Because of the way you raised me, I'm as sober as the day.
I started to move away, but as I pulled out of the drive,
The other car didn't see me, and it hit me in the side.
As I lay on the pavement, I heard the policeman say,
The other guy is drunk, and now I'm the one who'll pay.
As I lie here dying, I think, I wish you'd get here soon.
How come this happened to me now, my life burst like a balloon.
There is blood all around me, and most of it is mine.
I hear the paramedic say, that I'll die in a very short time.
I just want to tell you, I didn't drive and drink.
I'm sure that many others just didn't stop to think.
I'm sure I saw this man at the same party as I
The only difference now is he's fine and I must die.
Why do people drink, it can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now, pains just like a knife.
The driver who hit me is walking, I don't think that's fair.
I'm lying here dying, and all he can do is stare.
Tell my brother not to cry, and tell daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, put some flowers on my grave.
Someone should have told him, not to drink and drive.
If only they would have taken time, I would still be alive.
My breathing is getting shorter, I've got pains in my chest.
Thanks for sticking by me, I know you did your best.
I do have one last question, before I have to say good-bye,
I didn't ever drink and drive, so why am I to die?
We've finally reached the end, I wish I could look you in the eye,
To say these final words, Mum, I love you and good-bye ...
(Author is unknown)

Don't drink and drive and don't ride with anyone who has too much to drink.
When you drink your reaction time slows down.
Don't make the terrible decision to drive while intoxicated.

Be safe!
Be sensible!
Don't drink and drive
Sifu Lawrence Hochobeb is the founder and Chief Instructor of Namibia Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy. He can be contacted at: 0812782121.