Self-tests to drive change?

Alco-Safe MD RHYS EVANS commends Nelson Mandela Bay municipality’s traffic services for its targeted road safety programme, launched in 2024. Integrating education and self-testing breathalysers at Gqeberha taxi ranks, this signifies a shift towards promoting responsible driving habits.

Drunk driving statistics paint a grim picture, and the risk of accidents and fatalities escalates dramatically when drivers are under the influence. A comprehensive approach is therefore vital to curb this problem. The introduction of self-administered breathalysers in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area is intended to empower taxi drivers to make informed choices about their sobriety before getting behind the wheel.

This self-testing mechanism is a positive step, but more is needed, including greater accessibility and enhanced education. In terms of accessibility, a wider availability of self-test breathalysers at strategic locations beyond taxi ranks would significantly enhance the programme’s reach. Placement in the parking areas of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues frequented by motorists would greatly amplify its impact.

As for education, this is where the true power of self-testing lies. Powerful campaigns are needed to educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving and the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit; this knowledge empowers individuals to utilise self-test breathalysers effectively.

While access to self-breathalyser equipment is a crucial first step, the reality is that if a motorist does not understand the device reading (and the consequent risks attached to this), the exercise may prove fruitless. Motorists must be equipped with the knowledge on why they should not be drinking and driving. This is why it is essential that equipment rollout be accompanied by an education drive.

Addressing the root cause

These educational campaigns must extend beyond simply encouraging testing. They should:

• Highlight the dangers and devastating consequences of drunk driving, not just for the driver but also for innocent passengers and pedestrians. Vivid portrayals of accidents and victim stories can be powerful deterrents.
• Debunk and dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding alcohol consumption and its impact on driving ability. Stress that even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgement and reaction time.
• Raise awareness about the alcohol metabolisation process and how factors like weight, food intake, and individual tolerance affect BAC.
• Promote responsible alternatives after consuming alcohol (designated drivers, ride-hailing services, or public transport).

Expanding prevention

To truly make a difference, the accessibility of self-testing needs to be expanded. As mentioned, potential solutions include the installation of self-test breathalysers at strategic locations, such as bars, restaurants, and event venues where alcohol consumption is common. To raise awareness, this would need to run in conjunction with mobile breathalyser programmes, where trained officials conduct breathalyser checks at public events or social gatherings.

Law enforcement must also play a critical role in deterring drunk driving, with police officers acting as a visible deterrent on the roads to remind motorists of the potential consequences. However, their effectiveness rests on proper training, as officers need a deep understanding of the dangers posed by drunk drivers, rather than only the legal aspects. This empowers them to identify intoxicated drivers through standardised field sobriety tests and an accurate assessment of behaviour. Police officers must also be adequately trained on breathalyser testing procedures to become a powerful force in keeping drunk drivers off the roads.

A multifaceted approach

The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality’s programme represents a proactive approach to tackling drunk driving. By combining self-testing with education and potentially expanding accessibility, this initiative has the potential to significantly reduce drunk driving incidents. However, achieving lasting change requires a multi-faceted approach. Sustained public awareness campaigns and increased enforcement measures around self-testing breathalyser stations are essential in fostering a culture of responsible driving and creating safer roads for everyone.