BIG crackdown on reckless and negligent driving in South Africa

Reckless and negligent driving in South Africa is top of mind for traffic authorities across the country this festive season. The Road Traffic Management Council (RTMC) and Provincial Mobility MEC of the Western Cape, Ricardo Mackenzie, have both warned of strong sanctions. Speeding, drunken driving, and reckless and negligent driving in South Africa will not be tolerated.

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As part of the crackdown, more than 580 traffic officers have been put onto the street in the Western Cape, reports EWN. While no death is acceptable on the roads, the Western Cape has seen death rates moving in the right direction. 131 deaths in the 2022/23 festive season is down from 207 over the 2021/2022 period.

RECKLESS AND NEGLIGENT DRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA

Part of the crackdown, says Mackenzie, is the use of technology to identify errant vehicles and drivers. “With our speed over distance cameras, we will readily identify motorists driving at 130 km/h and beyond. Anything over the legal limit and users will be pulled from the road,” said Mackenzie.

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Below are all the reckless and negligent fines and the demerit points that go with them under AARTO law that comes into effect in 2024. These are some of the strictest sanctions of all:

Violation	Fine	Points
Reckless driving	Court	6
Inconsiderate driving	R250	0
Driving under the influence	Court	6
Blood alcohol level for:
Driver not less than 0,05 g per 100 ml	Court	6
PrDP driver not less than 0,02 g per 100 ml	Court	6
Breath alcohol level for:
Driver not less than 0,24 mg per 1 000 ml	Court	6
PrDP driver not less than 0,10 mg per 1 000 ml	Court	6
Smoked before blood/breath test	R1 250	4
Refusing to give blood or breath sample	R1 500	5

There are currently 2 659 offences listed on the AARTO website, including their fines and associated demerit points. You can find a full list of them HERE.

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What do you think authorities can do to curb reckless and negligent driving in South Africa this festive season? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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