Aware.org hold event to tackle the threat of drunk driving
Key stakeholders in road safety, including law enforcement and emergency services, stressed the urgent need for education and stricter regulations to curb reckless driving.
Aware.org recently held a crucial event aimed at engaging influential figures in road safety with the aim to examine solutions to combat alcohol related road accidents.
The event, held at Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) on March 25, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders for meaningful discussions to drive interventions that promote responsible road use and mitigate the alarming rise in alcohol-related accidents.
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The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) acting deputy director, Michael Botolo, emphasised the pressing challenge posed by motorists who defy traffic laws, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol.
“We have motorists who claim to know the law better than law enforcement,” he said, highlighting the need for comprehensive education to change attitudes towards drunk driving.
Botolo pointed out that rising road fatalities are closely tied to the implications of alcohol consumption, high speeds, and negligent driving behaviours. “We must enhance our educational efforts as a preventative measure alongside stricter law enforcement.”
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Gauteng EMS district manager Donald Baloyi echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the significant role of reckless driving in endangering lives. “Driving under the influence not only puts the driver at risk; it also endangers innocent lives, including children.”
He highlighted the importance of ensuring that first responders and law enforcement are equipped to handle intoxicated individuals effectively, particularly in emergencies. “While most of the accidents we attend to happen in townships; it’s now spreading onto the highways.”
The Gauteng Liquor Board deputy director, Nozipho Mkhwanazi, said they educate liquor traders, so that they know people come to their places for entertainment, to relax and consume alcohol. “We educate them, that before selling alcohol to people they must give them food and water, to make sure that they are well hydrated before they consume alcohol.
“Section 127 in the Gauteng Liquor Act 2 of 2003 says it is an offence to sell or give alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated. It is our duty, as the liquor board, that when we do our educational awareness, we educate liquor traders to assure they are not providing alcohol to someone that is already intoxicated,” Mkhwanazi concluded.
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