Drunken driving arrests in SA on the rise
With traffic authorities clamping down on holidaymakers this festive season, there’s been a worrying spike in drunken driving arrests in SA.
Drunken driving arrests in SA are on the rise this December, showing that South Africans clearly have a drinking problem over the holidays. With Christmas Day still a few days away, drunken driving arrests in SA have increased by 312% in the Western Cape this December, reports Daily Maverick.
DRUNKEN DRIVING ARRESTS IN SA
You could argue traffic authorities are setting up holiday roadblocks and that’s the reasons for increased drunken driving arrests in SA. Or it could be that more holidaymakers are in the province, leading to greater merriment.
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Nevertheless, that’s no excuse. If you drink and drive, no matter what time of year it is, you’re endangering yourself and others with your recklessness. Some of the reported drunken driving arrests in SA this December have seen people five- to nine-times over the limit of 0,05 g per 100 ml.
DON’T END UP IN JAIL, OR WORSE
Both the Road Traffic Management Council (RTMC) and Provincial Mobility MEC of the Western Cape, Ricardo Mackenzie, have warned there will be zero tolerance for those caught driving under the influence this holiday.
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If you are caught drunk driving, the penalties and the demerit points that come into effect in 2024 under AARTO law are the following:
| Violation | Fine | Points |
| Driving under the influence | Court | 6 |
| Blood alcohol level for: | ||
| Motorist not less than 0,05 g per 100 ml | Court | 6 |
| PrDP driver not less than 0,02 g per 100 ml | Court | 6 |
| Breath alcohol level for: | ||
| Motorist not less than 0,24 mg per 1 000 ml | Court | 6 |
| PrDP driver not less than 0,10 mg per 1 000 ml | Court | 6 |
| Smoked before blood/breath test | R1 250 | 4 |
| Refusing to give blood or breath sample | R1 500 | 5 |
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There are currently 2 659 offences listed under AARTO law. You can find all of them HERE. Don’t turn your December holiday into a nightmare by ending up in jail or, worse still, injuring someone on the roads. If you suspect you’re over the limit, do not drive. Call a taxi or make use of any e-hailing service instead.