Minister Creecy calls for stricter laws following 144% surge in DUI arrests

The Department of Transport has condemned "reckless" driver behaviour following a staggering 144% increase in drunk driving arrests during the recent festive season.

According to official data, traffic police apprehended a total of 8,561 motorists found to be driving with blood-alcohol levels above the legal limit. The figures were part of the festive season road statistics released today, covering the period from December 1 to January 11.

CALL FOR POLICY REFORM
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy emphasised that current enforcement measures and driver attitudes must change to address the growing crisis on the country's roads. She specifically targeted existing legislation, questioning the logic of current alcohol limits for motorists.

“Our driving and drinking policy was formulated almost 30 years ago,” Creecy stated. “In today’s South Africa, it is totally unacceptable that there is a law that allows people to drink and then drive. I have never understood this.”

IMPACT ON FAMILIES
The Minister highlighted the human cost of road fatalities, noting that the current legal framework is difficult to justify to those grieving the loss of loved ones.

“I cannot explain this to anyone who has lost a parent, a brother, a sister, or a child as a result of a road accident,” Creecy added.

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