Local governments and stakeholders are introducing Random Breath Testing (RBT) on Western Cape roads in South Africa.
RBT is a joint project of the national, provincial and local governments. It is in partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS), the Provincial Traffic Services, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Safely Home, the City of Cape Town, and the traffic services of the Cape Agulhas, Overstrand, and Theewaterskloof municipalities.
As part of the initiative, Safely Home has produced a television advertisement highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving, and alerting the public to the roll out of RBT.
Lessons for devising the RBT operational model were drawn from Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria, where a 20% reduction in alcohol related traffic injuries was achieved within two years of implementing RBT operations.
How the RBT pilot works:
- Breath-testing teams in distinctive RBT uniforms will conduct Vehicle Check Points at multiple locations in single shifts
- Random Vehicle Check Points will be located throughout the entire operational area
- Handheld breathalyser devices will be used to screen motorists for alcohol
- Testing teams will operate day and night, covering any day of the week
- RBT will operate over and above normal traffic law enforcement activities
View the Safely Home television advertisement, “Boys”, below:
