Alcohol, drugs, fatigue and driver fitness
This domain tests the driver's condition before and during the journey. Alcohol, drugs, fatigue and illness all degrade judgement and reaction time, and the law treats them as separate offences or disqualifying conditions.
Alcohol and drugs
Mali's general blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L. Even below that level, alcohol slows reactions and narrows attention. Illegal drugs are prohibited, and some medicines impair driving; read the label and ask a pharmacist. Coffee, cold air and a short walk do not sober you up.
Fatigue and fitness
Take a 15–20 minute break at least every two hours. Fatigue is worst between 2 and 5 a.m. and in the mid-afternoon. Do not drive if you are sleepy, ill, or taking impairing medicine. Eyesight and hearing must meet the required standard; a medical certificate may be required.
Worked example
After two beers, a driver feels alert and argues he is under the limit. Reasoning: feeling alert is not a measurement. Alcohol still slows reaction and affects judgement, and the safest legal and practical choice is not to drive.
Traps
Relying on coffee or a shower; driving with a hangover; ignoring a medicine's warning label; pushing through fatigue because the destination is close.