The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Transport (DoT) Road Traffic Inspectorate and major beer brewer South African Breweries (SAB) have opened an alcohol evidence centre (AEC), in Pietermaritzburg, as part of a countrywide initiative by SAB to tackle drunk driving in South Africa.

KZN member of the executive council for transport, community safety and liaison Willies Mchunu says that the AEC is outfitted with the latest equipment to accurately detect a driver’s blood alcohol level through a single breath sample. The centre, and others like it across the country, is expected to dramatically the improve prosecution rates of those arrested for driving under the influence.

“Drunk driving remains one of the biggest killers in South Africa and this centre is an important step in our mission to reduce the number of fatalities on KZN’s roads. We want all drivers to know that it is never acceptable to drink and drive and, if they make the mistake of doing so, we are ready to catch and prosecute them,” Mchunu asserts.

SAB has committed R4-million for the current financial year to supply four AECs across South Africa with equipment, includ- ing Dräger Alcotest breathalysers and a closed-circuit television network to monitor the testing process. The breathalyser machines are able to take an instant and accurate read- ing of the amount of alcohol in an individual’s bloodstream, which can be used as evidence to secure a conviction of drunk driving. Expected to be used in conjunction with regular roadblocks around the city, if a breathalyser detects more than 0,24 mg of alcohol for every litre of oxygen on someone’s breath, equivalent to the maximum legal blood alcohol limit of 0,05 g for every 100 ml of blood, the driver will be arrested, detained in a South African Police Service facility and charged with a criminal offence.

“Research has shown that effective enforce- ment and prosecution are the most effective ways to change attitudes and behaviours among those who drink and drive. By equipping police with tools to better arrest and prosecute irresponsible drivers, we hope to make drinking and driving socially unaccept- able,” says director of corporate affairs and transformation at SAB Vincent Maphai.

Complemented by 100 graduates from the newly launched Traffic Training College, in Pietermaritzburg, the AEC is an important part of the DoT road traffic inspectorate’s efforts to improve road safety in KZN. Mchunu adds that the department is appreciative of SAB’s vision in helping to catch and convict those who still feel it is acceptable to get behind the wheel of a car or taxi after drinking.

“We hope that the contribution of equipment will act as an effective deterrent to those who may still consider drinking and driving. A significant shift in mindset is required among those South African drivers who drink; and we believe that this equipment is one of the most practical and effective ways to affect change among individuals and, ultimately, society as a whole,” Maphai notes.

The contribution of breathalyser equipment follows SAB’s launch of a comprehensive strategy to tackle alcohol abuse across South Africa, focusing specifically on reducing the prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome, encouraging responsible trading and reducing the prevalence of drunk driving. SAB also launched a hard-hitting advertising campaign in October called ‘reality check’ to drive home messages about the antisocial and life-threatening dangers of drinking and driving.

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