Law enforcement is intensifying efforts during the festive season to stop drunk drivers, including setting up regular roadblocks and setting up “booze buses” in popular party spots.
Drinking and driving in South Africa remains a significant concern, with alcohol abuse being one of the leading contributors to road deaths.
According to Genesis Medical Scheme, approximately 50% of people who die on the roads have a blood alcohol concentration of above 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres.
LEGAL BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) LIMITS
Under Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1998, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers in South Africa is less than 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres of blood. This means a single tot of brandy or 350ml of beer can push you over the limit.
Alcohol stays in your system for up to eight hours after consumption, increasing the risk of impaired driving.
HOW MUCH ALCOHOL IS IN WHAT I DRINK?
According to South Africans Against Drunk Driving (SADD),if you drink two 330ml cans of beer in one hour – both men and women will be over the legal limit. If you drink five to 10 single Brandy’s, you will only be able to drive safely about 10 hours later.
- Spirit cooler (300ml) – 1.2 to 1.9 units or 0.02g to 0.035g
- Cocktail – ±2 to 2.5 (or occasionally even more) units or 0.04g to 0.05g
- Quart of Beer (750ml) – 3.3 to 4 units or 0.08g blood OR 0.4mg breath
- Double spirit (50ml) – 2 units or 0.04g
- Shooters – e.g. Apple sours = a half unit or 0.01g
- 90 mls of 12% white wine (most white wines) – 1 Unit = 0.02g
- 75 mls of 14% red wine – 1 Unit = 0.02g
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN PULLED OVER AT A “BOOZE BUS”
If you’re stopped at a roadblock, officers may conduct a breathalyser test to measure your alcohol levels. According to Law For All legal practitioners, failing the test or displaying erratic driving behaviour can lead to immediate arrest. You’ll be taken to the nearest police station.
Smoking is not allowed until a blood or breath specimen is taken. You cannot refuse to provide a specimen but can request the presence of a medical practitioner.
AFTER THE ARREST
Once detained, you will remain in custody until you are granted bail or appear in court. A court appearance must occur within 48 hours, excluding weekends. If arrested on a weekend, you could spend up to 72 hours in custody.
PENALTIES FOR DRUNK DRIVING
Drunk driving penalties in South Africa are severe and can have life-altering consequences. The punishment depends on the severity of the offence and any previous convictions. According to Arrive Alive, a person can be prosecuted just for sitting in the driver’s seat of a stationary vehicle while the engine is running. A car is ‘driven’ even if it is moving without the engine running, for example, if it rolls downhill or is being pushed.
Offenders can face hefty fines ranging from R2,000 to R120,000, or up to R180,000 in fatalities cases. Prison sentences of up to six years apply for culpable homicide or murder charges.
Drunk drivers could lose their driver’s licenses for up to 10 years, be ordered to attend a rehabilitation centre, and receive community service.
Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including the activation of suspended sentences.
Police urge South Africans to adopt safer practices to reduce road fatalities. Plan ahead by arranging alternative transport if you intend to drink.
WILL YOU THINK TWICE BEFORE DRINKING AND DRIVING THIS FESTIVE SEASON?
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