Bold plan to stop traffic offenders

Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters wants to shake things up.

 

If her plan comes into fruition, motorists accused of serious traffic offences could find themselves behind bars for seven days before being allowed to apply for bail.

 

And if convicted, they will face new mandatory minimum sentences.

 

Peters wants serious traffic infringements to be listed as Schedule 5 offences in the Criminal Procedure Act, the same as murder, culpable homicide and rape, and would have to show exceptional circumstances to justify their release on bail.

 

During a briefing she said that deaths over the festive season were 1775, 220 more than 2014.

 

Jay walking, speeding, drunken driving and dangerous overtaking were factors in the majority of the fatalities.

 

Last year, I lost one of my closest friends due to a road accident where the driver of the other vehicle was intoxicated.

 

Sometimes, it is only when one has a first-hand experience with the severity of road accidents, does one appreciate why the Minister wants to put such rules in place.

 

What do you think? Do you think if there are stricter rules, drivers will not drive under the influence, and be more cautious?