THE LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

The maximum blood alcohol limit that is allowed for professional drivers is 0,02 gram per 100 ml of blood and 0,05 for other drivers. Because the printout of a breathalyser is also admissible as evidence in court, drivers can be tried within hours, as there are no court delays waiting for the result of blood tests. The breath-alcohol limit is 0,10 milligram per 1 000 milliliter of breath for professional drivers and 0,24 for all other drivers.

If you are apprehended and found to be over the legal limit, you do not have an option of paying a fine. You will be arrested and taken to a police station, where you will be booked and locked up in a police holding cell with other criminals. You will only be charged hours later, when you are sober. The maximum punishment for drinking and driving is R120 000 and/or 6 years imprisonment. You will get a criminal record, which will count against you for the rest of your life. Your driving licence can also be suspended.

Alcohol affects our vision, judgment, balance and reaction time. Because even one drink can affect you.

There is no way to sober up quickly. It is a fallacy that showers and black coffee will make you sober. Your liver has to dissipate the alcohol in your body, which happens at a rate 0.02 mg per hour.

If you are involved in a crash while you are under the influence, it will impact on your insurance payouts. Because you have committed an illegal act by driving under the influence, short-term insurers, life insurers and the Road Accident Fund can refuse to pay out claims.

The only way to know is to test yourself with a Redline Disposable Alcohol Brethalyser.