Greece: Third Drives Under Influence of Alcohol
More than a third of Greek motorists drive under the influence of alcohol, which is above the average for the European Union.
Specifically, the Hellenic Society of Forensic Medicine (HSFM) reports, according to European Commission data, 35% Greeks admit to driving after consuming alcohol, 10% more than the EU average of 25%.
Alcohol and driving don’t go together, it’s a combination that kills,” stated the HSFM, as per ekathimerini.
The president of HSFM, Grigoris Leon has said, driving abilities can be affected with the consumption of even a relatively small volume of alcohol.
Alcohol policy in Greece
© WHO Global Alcohol Status Report 2018
The alcohol per capita consumption in Greece is at 10.4 liters, which is above the average of the WHO European region. WHO reports, almost half the population over 15 years (49.4%) binge on alcohol. For Greek men the alcohol harm is high with 9.4% suffering some alcohol use disorder and 4.2% suffering alcohol dependence. Both these statistics are above average for the WHO European average.
Despite the data and the growing concern of driving under the influence, Greece does not have a written national alcohol policy. The Greek government is not following scientific evidence and WHO recommendations on restrictions of alcohol sales as well as regulating alcohol advertising. These key areas need to be targeted through a comprehensive alcohol control policy following WHO recommendations such as through the SAFER package. Greece needs to reduce their alcohol consumption which has remained unchanged since 2010 if they wish to reduce the alcohol harm in the country.
