Drunk driver crashes into street pole, Durban North

DESPITE police intensifying their presence on the roads with numerous road blocks in and around the city, drunk driving persists.

A local resident recently posted on the Durban North Neighbours’Facebook group that she spotted a drunk motorist crash into a light pole near Potomac Avenue and Kentucky Drive.

In the post she said, “Nearly took a car out. Then up the pavement and eventually took the pole out. I tried stopping him to help get him home safely and he nearly drove into me and drove off like a bat out of hell!”

During the collision the driver’s bumper was detached from his vehicle and was left behind when the driver drove off.

Durban North SAPS arrested 14 people during a roadblock in November, and on 2 December an intoxicated 19-year-old was arrested during the most recent road block.

Lt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North SAPS, confirmed that the young rebel had not only driven without a license, but had also taken his father’s car without permission.

Durban North councillor, Shaun Ryley said that drunk driving was a problem authorities battle all year round. He posed the question as to why commuters believe that they can get away with driving under the influence.

“Efforts need to be stepped up year-round to curb this behaviour, stricter enforcement and more regular checks at strategic locations when this activity is rife. It is not only about the safety of the intoxicated individual, but also that of other innocent parties, which could be affected due to poor decisions.

“I urge everybody to take responsibility for their actions because this is not a matter of getting home safely, because you have managed to “dodge the cops”. It is about putting the lives of others in danger. Tonight you might get home while you are only slightly over the limit, but next week you try the same thing with a few more drinks in your system. It is a mindset that needs to be eliminated,” he said.