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The Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa says implementing a zero-alcohol limit for drivers is essential for significantly reducing the number of road traffic accidents in the country.
AA spokesperson Eleanor Mavimbela said the shocking statistics from the 2024/2025 festive season where more than 9000 people were charged for drunk driving offences, highlight the ineffectiveness of the the current blood alcohol concentration limit.
She said the ineffectiveness raises concerns about road safety and supports the call for a comprehensive zero-tolerance policy toward drinking and driving.
Currently, under South African law, a blood alcohol content exceeding 0.05 g per 100 mL is illegal for drivers.
This limit is equivalent to consuming over 350 mL of beer or a single shot of brandy or other distilled spirits.
Mavimbela said the detrimental impact of alcohol on road safety was particularly evident during the COVID-19 lockdown imposed in 2020. The government's temporary prohibition on alcohol sales led to a remarkable decline in alcohol-related hospital admissions.
Data from the first two weeks of the lockdown indicated a staggering 60% decrease in injuries resulting from road traffic crashes and violent assaults. However, once the alcohol ban was lifted, the number of trauma admissions dramatically surged, revealing the urgent need for systemic changes to address alcohol consumption and road safety.
"The evidence is compelling: lowering the BAC threshold in South Africa to zero is essential to significantly reducing road fatalities. To succeed in implementing this zero-tolerance initiative, it is critical to institute rigorous enforcement measures.
"It is time for decisive, concrete actions to protect lives and ensure that our roads are safe for everyone-motorists, passengers, and pedestrians alike."
Mavimbela said accidents contribute to an estimated financial burden of R18.2 billion, encompassing healthcare costs, property damage, and lost productivity.
