Zero tolerance for drunk driving this Easter

BOXES of individually sealed blood alcohol test kits were unpacked at the Vryheid police station last week.

Vryheid SAPS and Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) members intend to use all of the kits they now have at their disposal, to curb drunk driving over the Easter weekend.

Last year, 156 lives were lost on South Africa’s roads during Easter, according to a report released by Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters.

During the Easter weekend in 2015, 287 lives were lost in road accidents.

According to Arrive Alive, drunk driving is one of the biggest threats to road safety in South Africa. Research indicates that 50% of people who die on the roads have a blood alcohol concentration above 0.05 gram per 100 millilitres (more than two standard beers).

Acting station commander at Vryheid SAPS, Lt Col Allan Westermeyer, said that drinking and driving would not be tolerated on Vryheid’s roads this Easter weekend.

“Drinking and driving is a problem during the Easter weekend. People driving under the influence cause accidents and end up killing innocent people. This Easter, if you want to get drunk, either make sure that you are drinking at home, or arrange to have a sober driver take you home,” advised Lt Col Westermeyer.

“Over the Easter weekend, we are going all out to catch drunk drivers and we will make sure they are prosecuted in court,” he warned.

If you are caught driving under the influence you can expect that:

– You will be taken to the police station and detained in the holding cells. A docket will be opened against you.

– You will be required to pay bail before you are released.

– Your car will be taken to the police station and only returned to you once you have been processed and paid bail.