Changing our collective mindset to create safer roads has been an issue addressed by many countries the world over, and there’s possibly no bigger aspect to change than alcohol and driving under the influence.
Some European countries have taken no risks, and adopted a no tolerance view on alcohol. So if you drink and drive you lose your licence, or it is suspended for a serious period of time.
This, in fact, is sensible, because the truth is many people find it hard to say no to that one more dop. Plus, the fact that it is impossible to have all the senses you need with you when even slightly drunk, and you need all your senses while driving.
The fact is 41% of drivers killed on Western Cape roads who were tested for alcohol came up as FOUR times over the legal limit. The problem is that drunk people think they can do anything, including driving a car. So we have a big problem there, between fact and fantasy. The fact is alcohol and roads don’t mix, while the fantasy is that ‘I can do anything when I’m drunk’.
The obvious challenge comes with policing this, and now in SA our cops are making great headway. Random Breath Testing (RBT) brings mobile alcohol tests quickly to the road and the measure can be used in court.
Bobby Nitro has noticed that teenagers nowadays are understanding this. Yes, the millennials are getting something right. Perhaps we should learn our lesson from them.