NATIONAL NEWS - The Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa) has warned motorists to avoid drinking and driving this payday weekend, as increased alcohol consumption and road traffic enforcement put the spotlight on road safety.

With October salaries being paid ahead of the weekend, Misa says motorists should plan safe transport before consuming alcohol, warning that drunk driving can cost lives, driving licences and livelihoods.

Simon Zwane, spokesperson for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), recently told Misatv that drunk driving tends to increase over weekends and long weekends, running over into Mondays and Tuesdays.

“More than 27% of fatal crashes are due to alcohol, so it is an issue that requires constant attention,” Zwane said.

Close to 12 000 people die on South Africa’s roads annually. According to the figures cited by Misa, more than half of those killed are pedestrians.

Between March and August this year, more than 18 000 people were arrested for drunk driving, while alcohol-related offences accounted for about a third of all traffic arrests, the organisation said.

Alcohol consumption remains a road safety concern

Misa points to South Africa’s high levels of alcohol consumption as a contributing concern. According to the World Health Organisation figures cited in the statement, South Africans who consume alcohol drink an average of 29.9 litres of pure alcohol annually, placing the country among the world’s highest consumers per drinker. Almost six in 10 drinkers reportedly engage in binge drinking.

Zwane said the RTMC identifies areas with high alcohol consumption to help direct roadblocks and patrols to potential hotspots. He also raised concerns about intoxicated drivers transporting passengers.

Martlé Keyter, Misa’s chief executive officer for operations, said payday should provide financial relief to families, not expose them to preventable tragedy.

“Every weekend, families lose breadwinners, children and pedestrians to someone who decided one more drink would not hurt,” Keyter said.

She warned that motorists caught driving under the influence could face consequences affecting their licences, freedom and employment, while the most serious risk was the potential loss of life.

Call for stricter drink-driving laws

Misa supports Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s proposed zero blood alcohol limit for drivers, arguing that stricter legislation could strengthen efforts to combat drunk driving.

Zwane said South Africa had been too lenient towards motorists who drive after consuming alcohol, adding that a zero limit would help challenge the perception that having “one for the road” is acceptable.

Motorists urged to plan ahead

Misa has urged motorists who intend to drink to arrange a lift, designate a sober driver or book an e-hailing service before consuming alcohol.

Passengers should also avoid getting into vehicles with drivers who have been drinking.

Motorists are further advised to remain alert for pedestrians and possible tyre-spiking incidents on freeways. If a tyre is damaged, drivers should avoid stopping immediately in an unsafe location and, where the vehicle remains controllable, proceed slowly to a safe, well-lit place before stopping.

Misa’s message for the weekend is clear: plan ahead, make responsible choices and never drink and drive.

The full Misatv interview with RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane is available on YouTube. 

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