Drunk Driving Under Fire
The AARTO traffic law may not be the only new major regulation to hit the transport sector, as Transport Minister S’bu Ndebele has been heard making public statements highlighting his concerns regarding the level of drunk driving incidents in the country.
In a recent statement he was recorded as considering the cancellation of drivers’ licences for those caught controlling a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. While this may not come as too much of a surprise, he went on to state that the suspension of the right to reapply for a licence for those guilty of drunk driving might eventually be paired with this.
With impending AARTO fines already hanging over the heads of all South Africans, it seems that the government is determined to alter the driving culture of the country. While addressing the National assembly, S’bu Ndebele outlined the details for a proposed review of the legal blood alcohol level while driving.
“The review will be done in consultation with medical specialists,” he said. “We need to determine the appropriate limit once we have undertaken scientific and medical research with the medical fraternity,” he said. Social Development Minister, Bathabile Dlamini, stated that the inter-ministerial committee on alcohol and substance abuse had established a qualified team to examine the legal limits currently featured in the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
The team is tasked with coming up with “detailed policy proposals and strategies” which should be geared towards increasing restrictions on the consumption of alcohol in public, as well as drunk driving. As drivers get used to the idea of the new AARTO traffic law, they may well soon have to grow accustomed to further legislation and penalties.
Author : SASM
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