136 drunk drivers arrested in the Cape over just a few days
Today (11 October 2016) the City of Cape Town released information to do with the number of arrests made over the last couple of days in the Cape. According to a press release, the City’s Traffic Service arrested 109 suspects and the City’s Metro Police arrested 27 suspects, all of which were on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The arrests were made on the N2, Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Hospital Bend, and in Durbanville, Somerset West, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Elsies River, Gugulethu and Mfuleni.
Also read: Uber teams up with Smirnoff to curb drunk driving epidemic
According to the City of Cape Town, traffic services also issued a total of 3 882 fines, arrested another 85 suspects for various other offenses, and impounded 52 vehicles.
‘Alcohol remains the number one killer on our roads and it is disturbing to see such a high number of drivers getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Not only does this put the driver’s life in danger, but it endangers the lives of other road users as well. We urge all road users to take a stand against this behaviour and to work with us to create a safe city,’ says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The AA brings 8 things to do with drinking and driving to motorist’s attention.
DRINKING AND DRIVING – DID YOU KNOW?
- One is normally charged for negligent driving as well.
- You can be locked up in a cell for the night or even weekend.
- Following your court date, you can be imprisoned for up to 6 years.
- You can also be fined up to R120 000.
- Your driving license can be suspended.
- You can get a criminal record.
- A criminal record can create difficulties with travel, finding employment and with career development.
- If you kill someone in a crash, jail sentences can be much higher, not to mention the effect it will have on the rest of your life.
With this in mind, why is it that we still see so many friends, colleagues and family memberschoosing to get behind the wheel after a few drinks?
Everyone has their own excuses: “I’ve had some water in between, I’m fine to drive”, “I had my last drink about 2 hours ago, it’s out of my system now and I feel fine”.
The truth is, everyone is affected differently by alcohol and while law enforcement officials are tightening up about the legal drinking limit, being locked up for drinking and driving really is the least of your problems when you consider our high road death toll.