OVERINDULGING IN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND SITTING BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL CAN LAND YOU BEHIND THE BARS. RATHER DRIVE IN A STATE OF SOBRIETY, SAYS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY JMPD.
Nie Cele
Festive season is fast approaching thick and fast and if you are harbouring any hopes of drinking and driving just desist or else you might find yourself behind the prison cells.
This was a stern warning issued by the no nonsense Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
This caveat word of warning was made public during the launch and unveiling of a fully equipped state of the art Alcohol Evidence Centre (AEC) at Vocational JMPD regional office in Dube, Soweto.
Furthermore at the same event 7 Mobile AEC’s were also handed over to the Law enforcement agency and it was revealed they fall in line with SAB sharp, a responsible consumption platform from where SAB can direct its efforts to create a more responsible drinking culture in Mzansi.
According to JMPD, this milestone project aimed at advocating responsible alcohol consumption and reducing spiralling road fatalities proportions is part of a partnership between the South African Breweries (SAB) and Joburg Law enforcement agency.
A terse statement issued to the media also details that over a decade ago the South African Breweries (SAB) partnered with Government to develop the concept of Alcohol Evidence Centres (AECs). Through these AECs, their authorities are given the infrastructure, equipment, and knowledge they need to make more arrests. And to build a more responsible South Africa.
“Between 2015 and 2017 South Africa has seen a downward trend in fatal car accidents in which an intoxicated driver was involved. According to statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation, there has been an overall percentage decrease in driver intoxication in fatal crashes over the last seven years.
“We have already seen a 44% reduction of alcohol-related accidents with the implementation of the SAB AEC in Pietermaritzburg and with this platform we aim to do more as a business and be at the forefront of contributing to societal change, Read the statement.”
According to SAB, “To date 10 brick and mortar AECs already were handed over to various South African municipalities across the country, these centres make South Africa’s roads safer by empowering authorities to enforce regulations with world-class infrastructure and technology to help process drunk arrests. Additionally, the mobile AECs will aid authorities in their fights against drunk drivers across the province with the ability to move around to multiple hotspot zones.
““Together with JMPD, SAB believes more interventions need to take place to make South Africa’s roads safer. Our mission is to partner with traffic law enforcement partners in trying to combat road fatalities, this has been made possible through interventions such as the Mobile AEC’s.” said, Mduduzi Lokotfwako, SAB’s Director of stakeholder and Government.
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“This AEC handover falls in line with SAB’s broader ‘Responsible Drinking Goals, which is a set of programmes and initiatives focused on shifting social norms, consumer behaviours, and business practices. Developed alongside public health officials, these goals reflect our belief in evidence-based solutions and that independent, rigorous and transparent measurement and evaluation are key to progress.
“Our goals are also designed to be collaborative and evolving. Working in partnership with public health bodies, civil society, and governments, we aim to implement evidence-based approaches, uncover new ways to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and act upon them. The AECs are an incredible testament to this approach and proves that it is working,” said Lokotfwako.
Sipho Dlephu, a Director at JMPD, told this publication on the sideline it’s a milestone that comes with assurances.
“We are the first one to receive these mobile centres. Everything will be done and dusted in these mobile trucks on the scene where drunken drivers were spotted and checked.”
JMPD Acting Chief of Police Thulani Khanyile said, “ Our aim is to also ensure that road fatalities are reduced in the City of Johannesburg. Just as much as we want successful prosecution of the offenders. It’s also important to note that we are about to enter the festive season where we see increased incidences of drunken driving and a spike in road fatalities, so the opening of the AEC and the handover of the mobile AEC comes at a perfect time where we can address these issues,” Khanyile said
DID YOU KNOW?
- Since inception over a decade ago, AEC’s have become crucial in helping law enforcement test suspected drunk drivers and confirm their breath limit using Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing (EBAT) and registered medical practitioners.
- The AECs are all fully equipped to also ensure that the evidence is properly collected and admissible in court.
