As South Africa grapples with the devastating consequences of drunk driving, the idea of an alcohol interlock system has sparked conversation about reducing road fatalities.
The device, equipped with a breathalyser, is wired into a vehicle’s ignition system and stops the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath above a set limit.
South Africa does not have a nationwide mandatory court-ordered alcohol interlock pilot, but such devices are widely used voluntarily within private commercial transport and logistics fleets.
Caro Smit, a road safety expert and representative for South Africans Against Drunk Driving (SADD), explained that discussions around pilot programmes have been continuous.
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“It is being discussed more as a preventative measure, rather than once someone has been caught.
“People don’t see drunk driving as a serious crime; apart from costing the economy an enormous amount, it causes a huge number of deaths and severe injuries.”
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Smit pointed out that while not foolproof, the devices are calibrated regularly and can detect if someone is trying to circumvent the system.
The cost of a device ranges from R16,000; it is important to consider the long-term benefits.
“If you had a taxi and your taxi was written off because your driver was drunk, apart from the fact that you lost your whole asset, imagine how you feel about all those deaths because you are actually not wanting to put that money into it.”
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