Koenraad Verbrugge and Saraï Sabbe, both 41, from Sint-Denijs did not sleep a wink on Tuesday night after the hallucinatory accident they were victims of at home. ”I teach and we regularly invite someone to come to our school to talk about the consequences of alcohol in traffic,” says Koen. “Well, look around: here it is. Will we ever feel safe here again?”
How can communities raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption beyond driving?
Interview: The Consequences of Alcohol-Related Incidents at Home
Editor, Time.news (EN): Thank you for joining us today, Koenraad and Saraï. Your recent experience has understandably left a profound impact. Can you describe what happened and how it has affected your sense of safety at home?
Koenraad Verbrugge: Thank you for having us. On Tuesday night, we were victims of a terrifying incident at our home related to alcohol. We didn’t sleep a wink afterwards. It’s shocking to think that while we educate others about the dangers of alcohol in traffic, we faced a stark reminder of its consequences right within our own walls. It’s hard not to wonder if we will ever feel safe in our own home again.
Editor: That’s a haunting thought. As someone who teaches about these dangers, how has this event reshaped your perspective on the issue?
Koenraad: This experience has deepened my understanding of the implications of alcohol. People often associate the risks with driving, but alcohol can lead to unpredictable and dangerous situations at home too. We must emphasize that the repercussions extend far beyond the road. It’s crucial for all of us, whether it’s in a classroom or at home, to recognize that safety can be compromised in any environment if alcohol is involved.
Editor: Saraï, can you share your thoughts on how this incident might influence your community’s awareness regarding alcohol consumption?
Saraï Sabbe: Absolutely. We often think of alcohol-related problems as happening in public spaces, but this incident shows that they can invade our private lives as well. We’re now more committed than ever to raise awareness about the unseen dangers of alcohol—not just in the context of driving but also how it can affect decision-making and safety at home. Initiating conversations about responsible drinking in our community is key to preventing incidents like ours.
Editor: Given your insights, what practical advice do you have for readers to enhance safety regarding alcohol consumption?
Koenraad: One critical piece of advice is to foster open discussions about alcohol consumption among friends and family. Establishing clear boundaries and understanding one another’s views on drinking can prevent misunderstandings and dangerous situations.
Saraï: Additionally, we encourage everyone to look out for each other. If you notice a friend or family member displaying risky behavior related to alcohol, don’t hesitate to step in. Supportive intervention can make all the difference in preventing accidents.
Editor: It seems your experience brings to light the importance of community responsibility. How can schools contribute to this prevention strategy?
Koenraad: Schools play a vital role in shaping young people’s attitudes towards alcohol. By integrating more comprehensive education about the effects of alcohol in various contexts—be it traffic or home—we can highlight the importance of making informed choices. It’s about building a culture of safety and responsibility that extends beyond just preventing drunk driving.
Editor: Thank you, Koenraad and Saraï, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s evident that this incident has motivated you to become advocates for safer communities.
Koenraad: Thank you for having us. We hope that by sharing our story, others might be more vigilant about the influences of alcohol in their lives.
Saraï: Yes, thank you. Our goal is to contribute positively to our community’s wellbeing and promote a safer environment for everyone.