DURBAN North SAPS has warned drivers that there will be a zero tolerance approach to drunk driving this festive season. Capt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the station, said this year alone had resulted in the arrest of more than 200 drivers. He has warned that drivers who have too much alcohol in their systems will face the wrath of the law.
“Being arrested for drunk driving is not a misdemeanor, it is a serious crime and a preventable choice. We have a zero tolerance approach for drunken driving, so appeals for leniency because some people view this as a ‘lesser crime’ is ridiculous. We will be organising more roadblocks this festive season in order to keep motorists safe. No one is trying to stop you from having a good time – just be responsible about doing it,” he said.
What is the limit?
Your blood may not have an alcohol content of more than 0.05 per cent. This means that even after what you may think is a “small drink”, you could be over the limit.
If you have more than 350ml of beer, or if you have more than a single tot of brandy or other spirit, you may already be over the limit. Remember that these levels of alcohol will remain in your system for up to eight hours after consumption.
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Do not take chances – rather stay where you are until you have sobered up, or arrange for alternative transport home from wherever you plan to drink, and make such plans in advance to ensure that you are not left stranded.
Serious consequences-what happens if I’m arrested?
If you are stopped at such a roadblock, and if it is determined that you have consumed more than the legal limit of alcohol that you may legally consume while driving, you will be arrested and charged with driving under the influence of liquor.
You will be held in custody until you are able to post bail and in certain instances bail may be denied. Depending on prior convictions against you, as well as the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you face a minimum fine of R2 000 or a two-year prison sentence, or both.
You may also lose your driver’s licence, or have it suspended. And, of course, you will have a criminal record.
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