Easter crackdown: Dozens nabbed in KZN as experts warn no amount of alcohol safe for drivers
KZN traffic officials are already dealing with drivers trying to worm their way out of trouble as the Easter long weekend approaches.
As traffic officials vow to continue clamping down on drunken driving this Easter weekend, an expert says too many motorists are choosing to risk being caught, instead of opting not to drink and drive.
KZN roadblocks intensify crackdown on drunk driving
Hundreds of motorists have been caught at roadblocks across KZN over the past few weeks for driving over the legal limit.
Last weekend alone, 67 people were nabbed in Umhlanga and Durban North.
Road Traffic Inspectorate officials have been dealing with drivers trying to worm their way out of trouble.
" He believes that he'd like to go to a cell where there's nobody, and I just wanted to know from the good gentleman whether he wants a cell with a sea view?" one officer questioned an alleged offender.
"You are the owner of the car in front of the officers. Switch off your car because you can't drive your car," said an officer to a motorist.
Another officer questioned: "You're trying to give me money, which shows that you have been drinking. What have you been drinking?"
Even small amounts of alcohol impair driving ability
Ron Govender from Alcohol Breathalysers oversees training and safety Awareness across South Africa and other African countries.
He says while many motorists try to stay within the legal limit, any amount of alcohol still poses a danger on the road.
Govender adds that claims of not being affected by alcohol are not true, as drinking impairs brain function and judgement, often before a person even realises it.
" Even our legal driving limit now, just by that amount, a person's behaviour will become exaggerated, and you'll notice they start speaking louder and the gestures are more as well. You might notice that they will begin to lose control of small muscles. They don't realise that their ability to focus their eyes is impaired, so their vision is impaired."
ALSO READ: Motorists warned of crash risks as volumes spike to KZN
Experts urge safer alternatives and respect for law enforcement
Govender says drink at home with family, and if you are out, use e-hailing services.
"Any amount of alcohol makes you a risk on the road. Respect for other lives, yours and other people on the road. It's very traumatic when there's an accident, and there's injury, loss of life. Not only for the person involved in the accident, but also for the families as well.
"So it's so important that we understand that even though we want to know how not to be caught, we should focus more on not consuming any alcohol and then driving on our roads."
He also urged motorists not to argue with law enforcement officers.
“Arguing with an officer is not going to help, because what if the officer did not stop you and you cause a massive accident where lives are involved? It is difficult to live with yourself after that."
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