Police issue a strong warning to drunk drivers during Easter holidays
JOHANNESBURG – Motorists are warned not to drink and drive.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has issued a stern warning to motorists who will drive their vehicles under the influence of alcohol this Easter holiday.
The JMPD launched an #JoburgEasterSafety campaign on 16 April which will deal mainly with visible policing, sober driving and also crime prevention. With Alcohol abuse being a major factor to road crashes in the country, the Metro police promised to come down hard on drunk drivers.
Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said drunk drivers will not be tolerated on the roads. “The consequences of motorists driving under the influence of alcohol will be to arrest them.”
“Such behaviour will not be tolerated. They will be arrested.”
The Minister of Transport Dr Blade Nzimande launched the 2019 Easter Road Safety Campaign on 8 April. Nzimande also introduced the new breathalyzer machine called Evidential Breath Alcotest (EBAT) which gives motorists instant results of their alcohol level.
The minister said the introduction of EBAT will eliminate the need for a blood sample to be sent for analysis by a district surgeon, which could take up to six months due to backlogs.
“We will use EBAT breathalyzer this Easter weekend. Previously we had to take a blood sample but with this one there’s no blood sample,” said Minnaar.
Minnaar added the JMPD has partnered with South African Breweries (SAB) to encourage people to drink alcohol responsibly. He added that responsible alcohol use will reduce accidents on the roads.
Related articles:
https://midrandreporter.co.za/204730/joburg-crime-stats-show-drunk-driving-still-major-problem/
https://midrandreporter.co.za/171356/safety-on-the-road-a-priority-this-new-year/
