Zero-tolerance drink-driving and road safety in South Africa: What are the options?

Anesh Sukhai; Ashley  van Niekerk; Mohamed Seedat

doi:10.17159/sajs.2022/11480

Authors

Anesh Sukhai 1.Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; 2.Masculinity and Health Research Unit, University of South Africa and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9739-782X
Ashley van Niekerk 1.Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; 2.Masculinity and Health Research Unit, University of South Africa and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2900-8519
Mohamed Seedat 1.Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; 2.Masculinity and Health Research Unit, University of South Africa and South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9018-3370

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2022/11480

Keywords:

zero-tolerance, drink-driving, road safety, alcohol, South Africa

Abstract

Alcohol is a major contributing factor to the burden of road traffic crashes and injuries in South Africa. There has been an increase in political interest and engagement on the issue of drink-driving in recent months following government restrictions on the sale and public consumption of alcohol during the COVID-19 lockdowns along with proposed zero-tolerance drink-driving legislation. In this paper, we critically examine global research and experiences with the adoption of zero-tolerance approaches to drink-driving along with key South African contextual considerations to provide evidence-based and contextually relevant recommendations for advancing zero-tolerance drink-driving legislation in the country. There is significant evidence to support the adoption of zero-tolerance legislation but at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold limit for the general driving population set at 0.02 g/100 mL (rather than the zero-BAC limit proposed through the Road Traffic Amendment Bill) to allow for variance in testing. Recommendations centre on the proposed legislation incorporating a gradualist approach and its location within a broader zero-tolerance approach that includes other complementary interventions to enable implementation.

Significance:

The recommended blood alcohol level of 0.02 g/100 mL is lower than the best practice limit recommended by the World Health Organization of 0.05 g/100 mL, following consideration of the road safety and general alcohol consumption challenges in South Africa and evidence of success from other similar country contexts.
Broad principles and recommendations are presented to support the sustainable adoption of zerotolerance drink-driving legislation in the country.