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<b>WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?:</b> Will a lifetime licence ban for drunk drivers decrease South Africa's shocking road death toll?
CAPE TOWN - In January 2013, the Inkatha Freedom Party has called for a lifetime licence ban for drivers guilty of drunk-driving on South Africa's roads.
IFP spokesman Velaphi Ndlovu said: "It is shocking to note that the (2012/13) festive season is not even officially over and already 1279 people have been killed on South Africa's roads."
We asked Wheels24 readers to share their views with us. Since then we've received quite a number of responses:
From Jurgens van Eerden:
"Regarding the drunk driving article.
Banning your license won’t help in south Africa. How many people drive around without licences. Our system allows for bad drivers to stay behind the wheel.
We are a connected country and should learn from our international friends. If you are caught drunk behind the wheel, your car should be impounded for a certain period.
We do the same with our kids - if you can’t appreciate a toy it should be taken away until you have learnt your lesson.
For most people in South Africa, a vehicle is very important to get to work and social needs, but if your car is impounded you will definitely think twice about getting behind the wheel intoxicated."
From Dudley Long:
“The problem is more deep rooted than drunk drivers. There is a total lack of respect and enforcement for the most basic traffic violations.
People no longer stop at stop streets or traffic lights, heck I am sure a vast number of road users don’t even have driver or learners licences, so why are people going to obey speeding and drunk driving laws?
Enforce the basic laws with big fines and harsh sentences and it will slowly start sinking in that you should obey traffic laws and rules as they are there for a reason.”
From Andre Prisloo:
“I can't understand why it's so complicated, if someone takes a weapon and goes out to kill someone it is murder. Alcohol is a weapon too. If you drive after you drink and get caught you should be charged with attempted murder at the very least.
This should carry a sentence of five to 15 years. If you cause an accident and you kill someone as a result you should be charged with premeditated murder with a sentence of 15 to life. With such sentences very few people would take the chance of driving under the influence. That’s my opinion.”
From Sparks Motlhale:
“No need to ban them permanently, the officials will any way by-pass that law. Rather give them jail term or heavy fines. As for officials playing hide and sick it does not help the country at all cause you just get a ticket, off you go with an roadworthy vehicle nogal.”
From Ameetha:
“I agree, repeat offenders should have their licenses banned.
In the same breath what about taxi drivers who drive unroadworthy vehicles, have no respect for other road users or rules and are probably at fault for an equal number if not more accidents as drunk driver. ‘
Previous reader responses:
Reader: Culture change needed
Reader: Three strikes, you're out!
Reader: Ban drunk drivers
Email us and we'll publish your thoughts on Wheels24. Or use the Readers' Comments section below...
IFP spokesman Velaphi Ndlovu said: "It is shocking to note that the (2012/13) festive season is not even officially over and already 1279 people have been killed on South Africa's roads."
We asked Wheels24 readers to share their views with us. Since then we've received quite a number of responses:
From Jurgens van Eerden:
"Regarding the drunk driving article.
Banning your license won’t help in south Africa. How many people drive around without licences. Our system allows for bad drivers to stay behind the wheel.
We are a connected country and should learn from our international friends. If you are caught drunk behind the wheel, your car should be impounded for a certain period.
We do the same with our kids - if you can’t appreciate a toy it should be taken away until you have learnt your lesson.
For most people in South Africa, a vehicle is very important to get to work and social needs, but if your car is impounded you will definitely think twice about getting behind the wheel intoxicated."
From Dudley Long:
“The problem is more deep rooted than drunk drivers. There is a total lack of respect and enforcement for the most basic traffic violations.
People no longer stop at stop streets or traffic lights, heck I am sure a vast number of road users don’t even have driver or learners licences, so why are people going to obey speeding and drunk driving laws?
Enforce the basic laws with big fines and harsh sentences and it will slowly start sinking in that you should obey traffic laws and rules as they are there for a reason.”
From Andre Prisloo:
“I can't understand why it's so complicated, if someone takes a weapon and goes out to kill someone it is murder. Alcohol is a weapon too. If you drive after you drink and get caught you should be charged with attempted murder at the very least.
This should carry a sentence of five to 15 years. If you cause an accident and you kill someone as a result you should be charged with premeditated murder with a sentence of 15 to life. With such sentences very few people would take the chance of driving under the influence. That’s my opinion.”
From Sparks Motlhale:
“No need to ban them permanently, the officials will any way by-pass that law. Rather give them jail term or heavy fines. As for officials playing hide and sick it does not help the country at all cause you just get a ticket, off you go with an roadworthy vehicle nogal.”
From Ameetha:
“I agree, repeat offenders should have their licenses banned.
In the same breath what about taxi drivers who drive unroadworthy vehicles, have no respect for other road users or rules and are probably at fault for an equal number if not more accidents as drunk driver. ‘
Previous reader responses:
Reader: Culture change needed
Reader: Three strikes, you're out!
Reader: Ban drunk drivers
Email us and we'll publish your thoughts on Wheels24. Or use the Readers' Comments section below...
