Seasonal cop crackdown
JOBURG - The festive season will unite families and friends while others recover from the gruelling tasks of 2014 in readiness of the new year’s challenges.
For many, the common denominator at gatherings will be swapping gifts and enjoying food underlined by consumptive behaviour generated by the prevailing spirit of generosity. Others’ consumption, especially of alcohol, will be excessive resulting in misery as loved ones become part of the sad statistics associated with this period brought about by driving drunk and alcohol-related fights.
As usual, law enforcement will be in full force during this season for the Arrive Alive Campaign in a bid to try and curb traffic violations and carnage on the roads. This will be in addition to their other responsibilities of curbing noise pollution and the nuisance associated with house parties fuelled by overflowing drinks.
To avoid being part of the statistics, police and alcohol-free campaigners urge the public to drink with restraint, and preferably in the comfort of their own homes or those of loved ones so as to live a bit longer.
Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar advises those likely to drink to have friends who will be the sober drivers. If need be, groups can nominate one among them who will refrain from drinking in order to drive the rest home.
Minnaar said road blocks will escalate after the announcement of the Arrive Alive Campaign by the Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters. He said the legal limit for driving is 0.05 milligrams in 100 milligrams of blood. This translates to one bottle of beer, or one glass of wine or one single tot of spirits.
He emphasised the crackdown will spare no one and those caught drunk will be taken for blood testing at the police alcohol centre, and if found to be over the limit, locked up for three hours before applying for bail.
The legal age for any alcohol consumption is 18.
He urged tavern and shebeen owners to advise patrons to also sober up for four hours before attempting to drive. He further advised pedestrians and cyclists not to be on the road when drunk as their judgement, speed perception and eyesight will be impaired. His other advice is to speedsters who, if caught driving 40km over the speed limit, will be arrested before they can apply for bail.
Details: Joburg Metro Police Department.
