Don’t be complicit in corruption

In August the Administration of Road Traffic Offences Act (Aarto) was signed into law, to much hysteria.

Many South Africans appear more concerned about not being able to drive recklessly than about the law’s potential to increase road safety.

Each person starts with a zero-point balance. Every time you are caught committing a traffic offence, points are added, according to the offence’s seriousness.

Once you have 13 points, your license is suspended for three months. For every three offence-free months, one point is deducted. If your license is suspended three times, it can be cancelled.

MasterDrive managing director Eugene Herbert says with one of the highest road fatality rates in the world, it is clear South Africa is in dire need of harsher consequences for road transgressions.

“If you are committed to playing your role in creating safer roads and obey the rules of the road, you have no reason to be concerned. It is only if you rack up fines with no intention of changing your driving behaviour, should you worry about Aarto.

“The system is not merely meant to punish law breakers but change driver behaviour.

“Currently, punishments are not severe enough to create any real fear of the consequences.

“Perhaps Aarto can compel drivers to break these habits and place more importance on safe and responsible driving.”

Part of the concern expressed is related to the potential for corruption.

“Whether Aarto will fall prey to corruption is yet to be seen, [but] the current system is rife with corruption.

“This makes it difficult to achieve any real change to driver behaviour, when drivers can buy their way out of consequences.

“There is also another group of individuals who happily trade the cost of fines off in favour of breaking the law.

“What drivers do not as easily acknowledge is that for corruption to occur, South African drivers are willing participants in the exchange. Ultimately, if you are a driver who respects the laws, is committed to road safety and who is willing to make a stand against corruption, there is no real reason to fear Aarto,” says Herbert.

MasterDrive is offering complimentary consultations to anyone concerned about the effect of Aarto, on themselves or their fleets. – Own Correspondent