Drunk drivers higher clever up this Easter vacation. That’s the message from the Division of Transport (DOT) and South African Police Service (SAPS), who promise to extend the utmost allowable punishment for drunk drivers to 6 years in jail.
South Africa has the best rating for drunk-driving associated deaths on this planet. In keeping with the International Standing Report on Street Security by the World Well being Organisation (WHO), 25 out of 100 000 deaths may be attributed to drunk drivers.
And don’t neglect that the loss of life toll on our roads went up for the primary time in years in December 2024. So, the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and DOT authorities have to take stern motion …
DRUNK DRIVERS BEWARE
Because of this, standard journey routes this Easter might be on excessive alert for drunk drivers, studies BusinessTech. Historic information says the province will see 1 500 autos per hour by way of its toll gates en path to the coast.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) specifically, is promising the hardest allowable penalties for these caught drunk driving. Siboniso Duma, Transport MEC in KZN, introduced that he’ll deploy 837 officers from the highway visitors inspectorate to man roadblocks on key routes.
The DOT will deploy an extra 120 regulation enforcement officers to help security and safety checks. Authorities can even verify for automobile roadworthiness, and can take ‘no mercy’ on lawbreakers.
NATIONAL PROSECUTION AUTHORITY
Furthermore, the Nationwide Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is being roped in to pursue longer jail phrases. Drunk drivers who’re caught, prosecuted and convicted will face a most six-year sentence.
“Driving below the affect is just not a mistake – it’s a alternative. And it’s a alternative that places lives in danger each single day,” says Duma. In keeping with the Nationwide Roads Act, it’s possible you’ll not have greater than 0.05 g per 100 ml of alcohol in your blood.
Drivers can’t refuse a blood take a look at. If discovered to be over the restrict, the driving force might be detained in a holding cell till they’re granted bail. Drunk drivers additionally danger having their driver’s licence suspended.
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