If everything proceeds as expected, a fresh drunk driving law with zero tolerance in SA is set to be implemented by Easter. This follows reports indicating that the plan proposed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has received approval from the parliamentary portfolio committee on transport. However, there are complexities that may not be immediately apparent …
The minister referenced a 144% increase in drunk driving arrests and 1 427 road fatalities during the festive season as justification for advancing the new legislation ahead of Easter. Yet, might the zero-tolerance drunk driving law in SA trigger unforeseen consequences?
ZERO-TOLERANCE DRUNK DRIVING LAW
As keen observers on The South African noted last week, the alteration of the law could have a devastating effect on the restaurant, bar, and wine farm sectors. Detractors of the zero-tolerance drunk driving law in SA argue that criminalizing minimal blood alcohol levels is a misguided approach.
Lowering the existing legal limit of 0.05g/100 ml to an absolute zero reflects nothing more than a ‘knee-jerk reaction.’ One commentator remarked, “people with a small amount of alcohol in their blood stream are not drunk drivers.” Another suggested that Minister Creecy should, “wake up and look for the real reason behind South Africa’s terrible road safety record.”
ROAD SAFETY IN SOUTH AFRICA
“There’s a lack of law enforcement on South African roads. Motorists disregard road signs, lane markings, and unroadworthy vehicles operate illegally on our roads,” states BillyG. Drunk driving is merely one aspect of a broader issue involving vehicle unroadworthiness, the quality of infrastructure, inadequate driver education, and the lack of law enforcement.
Nonetheless, the suggested zero-tolerance drunk driving law in SA resembles regulations in nations such as Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Furthermore, the minister’s ethical stance is a powerful argument. Why should any level of alcohol consumption while driving be legally tolerated? This notion is absurd, according to her, in light of the potentially life-threatening ramifications.
EASTER START FOR ZERO-TOLERANCE DRUNK DRIVING LAW
However, the hospitality and restaurant sectors are grappling with additional pressing challenges. These businesses have tailored their models around customers enjoying alcoholic beverages with meals. The profit margins associated with wine and spirits are critical to their survival. Now, a single drink could lead to criminal charges. The economic repercussions could be catastrophic for these industries.
In addition, the practical consideration of proportionality must be tackled if and when this law is enacted. Should an individual who has a glass of wine with their meal be classified as a drunk driver? Will they face the same legal consequences as someone who is significantly intoxicated and truly endangering others on the road?
SA’S ZERO-TOLERANCE DRUNK DRIVING LAW DILEMMA
Furthermore, can South Africa’s already overwhelmed police and judicial systems handle cases where drivers with minimal blood-alcohol levels are apprehended? Undeniably, a zero-tolerance drunk driving law in SA is a positive step. However, it remains uncertain whether it will yield the anticipated improvements in road safety …
But what are your thoughts? Will the new zero-tolerance drunk driving law in SA improve or harm road safety? Or will it simply hinder the restaurant and bar sectors? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below …
