With countless Newcastillians searching for jobs or looking at international travel and immigration, Newcastillian News spoke with Newcastle Traffic Chief Ashok Anandhaw, and Newcastle SAPS Warrant Officer Matthew Rose on the reality and consequences of drinking and getting behind the wheel.
In short, if you are caught, your life as you know it will change, and not for the good. Even things like international travel become an issue let alone the rest.
According to Anandhaw and Rose, the law strictly prohibits having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% or higher while driving. This means that consuming just two drinks within an hour can potentially push individuals over the legal limit.
Additionally, Anandhaw emphasised that motorists must participate if a traffic officer pulls them over and wishes to conduct a screening for alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Refusing to cooperate can lead to additional charges.
Furthermore, Anandhaw stressed that once a person undergoes a breathalyser test and exceeds the legal limit, the legal ramifications come into effect.
“The motorist will then be taken to the police station, where a case will be opened and the motorist will be detained,” said Anandhaw. He also noted that law enforcement officials not only screen for alcohol but also for other intoxicating substances, such as drugs.
Elaborating on the process, Rose explained that after informing the driver of their rights during the arrest, they will be transported to a provincial hospital.
The purpose of this visit is to draw blood and determine the precise degree of intoxication.
“We typically carry out this procedure within two hours. Once the blood sample is taken, it will be placed in a refrigerator in front of the driver at the station before they are escorted to the holding cells,” Rose explained.
The motorist will remain in the holding cells until they are sober and can be released on bail. Subsequently, court proceedings will commence if the blood results confirm that the person was significantly above the legal limit.
If found guilty, drivers may face the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license during the subsequent court case. This highlights how a few hours of revelry can lead to a lifetime of regret, but we are only just beginning.
Moreover, Rose pointed out that being charged and convicted of drunk driving results in the individual obtaining a criminal record. Such a record can potentially impact their career prospects or current job, especially if they are drivers, sales representatives, or work for companies with zero tolerance for criminal offenses.
Moreover, a criminal case of drunk driving can impact the driver on an international level as your criminal record will come up on your visa applications.
This means that apart from immigration, basic international travel becomes a difficulty. “If you have a criminal case, you can be denied from travelling overseas,” affirms Rose.
In addition to these severe consequences, Rose highlighted the substantial financial implications associated with being burdened with a criminal case.
“Apart from the fines, being involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol can also impact your insurance,” Rose added.
Despite the substantial legal repercussions that a few drinks can have on a person’s life, Anandhaw acknowledged that incidents of drunk driving remain unfortunately common in Newcastle.
“We encounter approximately three to five cases of drunk driving per week,” Anandhaw revealed, emphasising that alcohol often plays a significant role in many traffic collisions.
Given the gravity of these legal and personal implications and taking into account your future plans, Newcastillian News along with Anandhaw and Rose strongly advise you to use some brain power and think before you decide to get behind the wheel drunk.
What are your thoughts on this and be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
