By Thuto Ngobeni

It's revealing that nearly 10 000 motorists were arrested, with around 4 000 of them facing charges specifically for drunk driving.

 

These figures, the AA says, highlight the ineffectiveness of the country's current blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit and raise serious concerns about road safety.

AA Spokesperson Eleanor Mavimbela described the statistics as a "crisis," pointing to the alarming number of arrests over just a month. "When we reviewed the figures with the Minister of Transport at the start of last week, it was clear that the current measures are not working," Mavimbela said. "We are deeply concerned about the many drivers who weren’t caught. This is a major issue that demands immediate action."

The AA has called for a comprehensive zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, along with stricter penalties, including the immediate detention of offenders. Mavimbela pointed to countries that have successfully implemented zero BAC limits, noting that this approach has significantly reduced road fatalities elsewhere. "It’s time SA adopted this drastic measure," she added. "A zero-tolerance policy could save lives and drastically reduce fatalities on our roads."

When asked if the AA has engaged with the government, Mavimbela stated that while discussions have not yet taken place, the association is open to collaboration with authorities.

Motorists, however, have voiced mixed opinions on the proposal. Some believe a zero BAC limit would help reduce accidents, while others argue that SA’s broader road safety issues, including reckless driving and lawlessness, need to be addressed. "It’s a multi-pronged problem," one driver commented, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to improving road safety.

Under current SA law, drivers are considered over the legal limit if their BAC exceeds 0.05g per 100ml, equivalent to consuming a small drink such as 350ml of beer or a single shot of spirits. The AA warns that even one drink can impair driving abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.

--ChannelAfrica--