Automobile Association (AA)
By Nkosana Khumalo
The Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa has called for a zero-tolerance approach to curb drunk driving, urging the government to implement a zero alcohol limit for motorists. This appeal comes in response to alarming festive season statistics revealing that 3,840 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence. 
Currently, South African law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 grams or more per 100 millilitres of blood. However, the AA argues that this limit is ineffective in deterring drunk driving and ensuring road safety. Eleanor Mavimbela, spokesperson for the AA, stated, “These figures clearly highlight the ineffectiveness of the current blood alcohol concentration limit. This ineffectiveness raises concerns about the safety of our roads and supports our call for a comprehensive zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving coupled with much stricter penalties for offenders, such as immediate attention.” 
The AA’s stance is further supported by data from the 2024/25 festive season, during which South Africa witnessed 1,502 deaths resulting from 1,234 fatal crashes—a 5.3% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. A significant number of these incidents were attributed to drunk driving. 
Implementing a zero alcohol limit would mean that drivers are not permitted to consume any alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The AA believes that such a policy, combined with rigorous enforcement and stricter penalties, would significantly reduce road fatalities and enhance overall road safety.
The association also highlights the broader societal impact of drunk driving, noting that road accidents contribute to an estimated financial burden of R18.2 billion, encompassing healthcare costs, property damage, and lost productivity. 
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