Drunk drivers better wise up this Easter holiday. That’s the message from the Department of Transport (DOT) and South African Police Service (SAPS), who promise to increase the maximum allowable punishment for drunk drivers to six years in jail.
South Africa has the highest ranking for drunk-driving related deaths in the world. According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 25 out of 100 000 deaths can be attributed to drunk drivers.
And don’t forget that the death toll on our roads went up for the first time in years in December 2024. So, the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and DOT authorities need to take stern action …
Drunk drivers beware
As a result, popular travel routes this Easter will be on high alert for drunk drivers, reports BusinessTech. Historical data says the province will see 1 500 vehicles per hour through its toll gates en route to the coast.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in particular, is promising the toughest allowable penalties for those caught drunk driving. Siboniso Duma, Transport MEC in KZN, announced that he will deploy 837 officials from the road traffic inspectorate to man roadblocks on key routes.
The DOT will deploy an additional 120 law enforcement officers to aid safety and security checks. Authorities will also check for vehicle roadworthiness, and will take ‘no mercy’ on lawbreakers.
National Prosecution Authority
Moreover, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is being roped in to pursue longer jail terms. Drunk drivers who are caught, prosecuted and convicted will face a maximum six-year sentence.
“Driving under the influence is not a mistake – it is a choice. And it is a choice that puts lives at risk every single day,” says Duma. According to the National Roads Act, you may not have more than 0.05 g per 100 ml of alcohol in your blood.
Drivers cannot refuse a blood test. If found to be over the limit, the driver will be detained in a holding cell until they’re granted bail. Drunk drivers also risk having their driver’s licence suspended.
