South African drunk driving Laws:
- No person on a public road shall:
- Occupy the drivers seat of a motor vehicle, the engine of which is running, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug having a narcotic effect
- Occupy the driver's seat of a motor vehicle, the engine of which is running, while the concentration of alcohol in any specimen of blood taken from his or her body is not less than 0.05 grams per 100 milliliters.
National Traffic Act 1996 - if in any prosecution for a contravention of the provisions of subsection (2), it is proved that the concentration of alcohol in any specimen of blood taken from any part of the body of the person concerned was not less than 0.05 grams per 100 milliliters at any time within two hours after the offence, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that such concentration was not less than 0.05 grams per 100 milliliters at the time of the alleged offence.
- National traffic act 1996
Spotting a potential Drunk Driver
There are several signs associated with drunk driving, if you spot a potential drunk driver, keep a safe distance and inform the authorities.
A drunk driver may:
- Make wide turns
- Weave, swerve, drift, or straddle the centre line
- Almost strike an object or vehicle
- Drive on the wrong side of the road
- Drive at a very low speed
- Stop without an apparent cause
- Brake erratically
- Respond slowly to traffic lights
- Make abrupt or illegal turns
- Drive after nightfall with the headlights off
The alternatives to Drunk and Driving
When drinking alcohol, be responsible. With a group of friends, choose a designated driver. Make the decision as to who will be doing the driving before you go out and make sure that person doesn't drink any alcoholic beverages. Call a taxi, sometimes, even a designated driver can slip. If nobody is sober, take alternative transport. Hide keys, don't be afraid to take someone's car keys, if they get angry, it may mean your doing the right thing!
When throwing a party, give your guests plenty of alternatives and offer non-alcoholic beverages. Never pressure guests into drinking alcohol. Serve plenty of food, a full stomach can help slow the rate of alcohol absorption. Stop serving alcohol well before the party comes to an end, let your guests have an extra two hours without alcohol before they head home. Pay attention to your guests alcohol intake and behavior. and offer assistance in arranging alternative transportation. Never serve minors. |
Be responsible, and encourage others to act responsibly. Safety is everyone's concern.
- Tips to prevent drinking and driving. State Farm Learning Center
Thanks to a variety of mobile apps, your phone can now use your GPS signal to "hail a cab". Consider using the services of the providers bellow:
ICE could save your life! Whilst not only applicable to a drunk and driving scenario, In Case of Emergency or ICE refers to a number or numbers saved on your phone of a trusted person, guardian or next of kin who would be able to assist in a time of need. Never be afraid to ask for help.
An Injury Prevention Project brought to you by @safeinthecityct