Mogale Traffic reclaiming the streets
Motorists will have a criminal record if found guilty of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Drinking and driving has become a big trend in and around Krugersdorp.
The Mogale City Traffic Department recently decided to once again warn motorists about drinking and driving as well as drinking while driving.
Also read: Motorists encouraged to drive dry
According to their spokesperson, Papi Motaung, the Department arrested more than seven people during last week, which excludes the past weekend.
“It is a growing concern that more of the accidents we attend are caused by drinking and driving,” he said.
Papi added that alcohol intake and alcohol levels in the blood differ from one person to another. One person for example can have a high level of alcohol in his blood after just one beer and another can have more beers, but have a lower reading on the machine.
Also read: Boozing driver arrested
For persons driving public transport, the reading on the breathalyser may not exceed 0.02 and for ordinary motorists it cannot exceed more than 0.05.
“We are not going to tolerate drunk drivers anymore. We are going to have roadblocks, arrest people and go after them with full force,” said Papi.
Another problem the Department experiences is that the behaviour of people changes when they drink, with many becoming aggressive.
Also read: What is the legal drinking limit?
“It is so sad because people do not care about the safety of other people and about other people’s lives.”
Steps the department will take if they suspect that a motorist is under the influence of alcohol:
• They will ask the motorist to blow into the breathalyser
• They will arrest a person who is over the limit
• They will take the accused to the Traffic Department
• The accused will then appear in court
• The accused will only get bail if granted by the Magistrate. The amount will be determined by the court
• The accused will have a criminal record if found guilty
How will motorists be tested for alcohol usage?
Motorists will either be taken to the Traffic Department’s offices where a qualified nursing sister will test their blood, or they will be taken to the nearest hospital where they will have their blood tested.
Motaung once again said, “We are reclaiming our streets and we will not leave any stone unturned”.
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