Crackdown on drunk driving

TANYA WATERWORTH

DON’T drink and drive.

That’s the message from eThekwini Metro Police, who are increasing roadblocks across the city in a strong clampdown on drunk driving.

This week, Acting Commissioner Steve Middleton confirmed that up to 11 roadblocks a week could be held as part of a campaign to “rid our roads of drunk drivers”.

This is up from the one or two a month that used to be held, with the metro police boss saying the campaign was sparked when Easter drunken driving statistics “surpassed the rest of the province”.

Roadblocks were increased to three a week after Easter, but because this had not yielded the required results, Middleton said, “we have brought it up to between eight and 11 per week.

“Roadblocks are taking place every weekend and when there are public holidays or holidays, as well as when we determine that we should hold one,” he said, with weekend numbers being increased.

He said 438 arrests for drunken driving were made last month. It was reported, at eThekwini’s Security and Emergency Services committee this week, that 483 arrests were made in June, in 11 roadblocks.

“This campaign will only gather momentum. Our aim is to reduce arrests for drunken driving. This will show that education and enforcement is working,” said Middleton.

According to eThekwini Metro figures, Chatsworth leads the way as the top hotspot for crashes between July 2016 and June this year, followed by Phoenix, Sarnia/ Queensburgh, the CBD, Bluff and Wentworth.

Local paramedics also confirmed alcohol-related accidents happened mostly on weekends and public holidays.

RescueCare’s Garrith Jamieson said: “Unfortunately, it is still a major issue in and around Durban. Although metro police and SAPS are doing a fantastic job with roadblocks, there are many people evading these traps and injuring or killing innocent people.”

ER24’s Jannes Prinsloo said: “Alcohol is a major factor which is causing accidents. People should know their limits. We stay in a modern world where you can use your cellphone to get transport in case you are drinking.”

Uber spokesperson Jessica Gois said they did not release statistics on whether there was an increase in the use of their services. “We can confirm our driver partners are busier at peak party times on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as for events, like concerts and sports matches,” said Gois yesterday.