2.10 Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance that impairs your ability to drive is one of the most serious traffic offenses in South Africa. It is a criminal act with severe consequences, including heavy fines, licence suspension, and imprisonment.
- Legal Alcohol Limit: The legal limit for alcohol is extremely low.
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): Less than 0.05g per 100ml.
- Breath Alcohol Content: Less than 0.24mg per 1000ml.
- For Professional Drivers: The limit is zero.
A Personal Note from the Author:
From a personal and conservative Christian standpoint, it is important to state that drunkenness is considered an eternal purnishable sin (1 Corinthians 6:10). The legal limits mentioned above are provided strictly for informational purposes, as they are part of the official K53 curriculum you will be tested on. Their inclusion is in no way a personal endorsement of consuming alcohol or a suggestion that drinking up to a certain limit is acceptable.
The safest and most responsible choice (above the fact that it demand of you by God) is always to abstain from alcohol completely if you are going to drive. My personal conviction and strong recommendation is to pursue sobriety behind the wheel, ensuring your mind is clear and your judgment is unimpaired—not just to pass a test, but as a matter of principle and safety for yourself and others.
- The Reality: For most people, a single drink can put them over the legal limit. The only safe approach is to have zero alcohol in your system if you are driving.
- Impairment: Alcohol and drugs severely impair your judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision, making you a danger to yourself and everyone else on the road.
- Medication: Be aware that certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness or other side effects that impair driving. Always read the label and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
K53 Principle: The K53 defensive driving system is built on alertness and sound judgment. Driving under the influence is the direct opposite of this principle. There is no excuse for it.
2.11 Accident Procedures
If you are involved in a traffic accident, you have a legal duty to stop your vehicle.
Immediate Steps:
- Stop Immediately: Never leave the scene of an accident where a person or animal has been injured or property has been damaged.
- Ascertain Injuries: Check the extent of any injuries. If someone is seriously hurt, your first priority is to call for an ambulance and the police. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., from fire).
- Report the Accident: You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if anyone was injured or killed, or if you do not exchange details with the other driver(s) at the scene. You must do this in person at a police station.
- Exchange Details: You must provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to any other person involved in the accident, as well as to the police if requested. You should also get these details from all other parties involved.
- Do Not Move Your Vehicle: If there are serious injuries, do not move your vehicle until the police have arrived and given permission, unless it is absolutely necessary to prevent further accidents.
2.12 Vehicle Condition Requirements
As a driver, you are responsible for ensuring your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition at all times. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle is illegal and unsafe.
Key areas to check:
- Tyres: Must have a tread depth of at least 1mm across their entire width and circumference. They must be free from deep cuts, bulges, or any other damage.
- Lights: All lights, including headlights (dipped and main beam), indicators, brake lights, and parking lights, must be in working order.
- Brakes: Both the footbrake and the handbrake must be working effectively.
- Steering: The steering mechanism should be in good condition, without excessive free play.
- Wipers: The windscreen wipers must be able to clean the windscreen effectively.
- Horn: The horn must be in working order.
- Licence Disc: You must display a valid vehicle licence disc on your windscreen.
A pre-trip inspection (which we cover in detail in Part 2) is the best way to ensure your vehicle is safe before every journey.