A viral video showing a Nelson Mandela Bay traffic officer recording an alcohol reading in a breathalyser test after eating a hot-cross bun was used during a training programme at the local traffic college.
That's according to Metro traffic chief, Warren Prins, who said it was based on a similar video done in Australia.
In the video, a traffic officer is tested using a normal screener which records a zero reading, but then after taking a few bites from a hot cross bun, the screener records a reading of 0.21, after taking the reading from the mouth and not the lungs.
We’re in trouble!
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) April 17, 2019
Especially during the Easter Weekend with Hot Cross Buns ??
Surely there must be some malfunction here?
If this is true, imagine the unlawful arrests!
You eat 3 of these buns, you’re done!
Can the authorities clarify please! pic.twitter.com/T9k4dmrV5C
He says the law is clear on what procedures must be followed if a motorist is stopped on the road and given a breathalyser test.
Prins says in normal circumstances when tests are conducted for alcohol on the side of the road, the offender will be tested with a normal screener according to the procedure. If that reader responds a blood test will then be taken.
Prins says what was not circulated was a video of a second test done on the same traffic officer a few minutes later which showed a zero reading as expected.
He says if you just swirl some alcohol in your mouth or even medicine that contains alcohol and an immediate test is done, you will see a spike in the reading.
Prins says another reading will then be taken due to the fact that a reading, at the end of the day, is taken from your lungs.
