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Tuesday / 12 November 2024
HomeFeaturesThe silver bullet to road deaths in South Africa

The silver bullet to road deaths in South Africa

The proverbial silver bullet to the high level of road deaths in South Africa is the effective application of breathalysers.

It has been reported that approximately 58% of road fatalities on the nation’s roads involve alcohol, a shocking statistic to say the least.

However, Rhys Evans, managing director at alcohol and drug-testing equipment supplier ALCO-Safe, believes this isn’t close to the real figure.

Evans contends that the true extent of alcohol-related road deaths is obscured due to a critical flaw in post-accident data collection by the authorities.

At present, there is no protocol dictating that a police officer must test motorists for alcohol if they were involved in an accident.

Data is instead gathered from a finite pool of drivers, including individuals being transported to hospitals for injuries or those randomly chosen for breathalyser tests at the scene, which paints an incomplete picture and renders any statistics derived from this method unreliable.

“In contrast, countries with established procedures paint a clearer picture,” said Evans.

“Imagine a scenario where every accident, regardless of severity, involves mandatory breathalyser testing for all parties involved. This comprehensive approach provides a wealth of accurate data, empowering policymakers to implement targeted solutions.”

Addressing these shortcomings and investing in the necessary resources will therefore assist law enforcement agencies in ending the scourge that is drunk driving in South Africa, which will significantly contribute to reducing road fatalities.

Two types of breathalysers

Evans tells 702 that there are two different types of breathalysers motorists should be aware of, the first being evidential breath analysers and the second screening devices.

Evidential analysers are used as a confirmatory test that an individual has alcohol in their system, effectively a simpler form of a blood test.

Meanwhile, screening devices tell the administrator whether the person they are testing is above or below the legal limit.

Unlike evidential analysers, screening devices are nearly 100% accurate and can be used over and over again by trained officers, according to Evans.

These devices are not employed very often in South Africa, which Evans believes is a serious oversight by the authorities.

“They’re not used nearly as often as they should be, and they should be used every single time there is any suspicion or any accident,” said Evans.

Cost is a significant barrier to the implementation of screening devices, however.

These systems can go for anywhere from R5,000 to R10,000 a pop, which if multiplied by the tens of thousands of police officers in the country, amounts to a substantial expenditure that is not necessarily accounted for in the Department of Police’s budget.

Nevertheless, the price of inaction is more severe, said Evans.

“The consequences of failing to address data deficiencies in road safety are dire. Without accurate data, policymakers are left operating in the dark, unable to effectively target interventions where they are needed most. This lack of clarity translates into missed opportunities to save lives,” he said.

“South Africa stands at a crossroads. The path to safer roads is paved with accurate data, and breathalysers are the key to unlocking their potential. By embracing international best practices and investing in resources, South Africa can embark on a data-driven journey towards a future where preventable drunk driving fatalities become a thing of the past. The tools and knowledge are readily available; the only missing ingredient is action.”

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