| The Challenge | What the Evidence Shows | What Needs to Change | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drink Driving | Alcohol remains a major contributor to road deaths and injuries. | Crash risk increases well below South Africa’s current legal limits. | Lower blood alcohol limits and strengthen enforcement. |
Why this matters
Alcohol remains a major contributor to road crashes and fatalities in South Africa. Research shows crash risk increases well before drivers reach the current legal blood alcohol concentration limits.
Lower limits can strengthen enforcement and improve public safety.
Key Takeaways
🚗 Alcohol contributes significantly to road deaths
⚠ Crash risk increases before current legal limits are reached
🌍 Many countries have adopted lower limits than South Africa
❤️ Lower limits save lives
What the Brief Examines
The brief reviews South Africa’s current blood and breath alcohol limits, compares them with international practice and evaluates policy options for reform.
Policy Recommendations
Lower blood alcohol concentration limits
Introduce stricter limits for novice drivers
Improve public education
Strengthen enforcement capacity
