The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal expressed disappointment that a doctor and nurses were among those arrested for drunken driving in Port Shepstone on the weekend.
According to Siboniso Duma, 110 road traffic offenders were arrested by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in Port Shepstone between 27 and 29 September.
Sixty-six of the arrests were for drunken driving.
“Disappointingly, a doctor, three nurses from Port Shepstone Regional Hospital, and a councillor are among the 66 motorists arrested,” said Duma in a statement.
Minister dissatisfied that Health professionals were drinking and driving
Duma indicated that health professionals should be fully aware of the negative impact alcohol related accidents have on the health system.
With 60% of hospital trauma cases related to accidents caused by drunken driving, he couldn’t understand why the health professionals in question would drive while drunk.
The doctor faces charges of escaping from lawful detention. Penalties for flouting such a road traffic rule can incur a jail term of 6 to 10 years.
“In particular, health professionals, through their conduct, should display an incredible understanding of the burden on our health system caused by alcohol-related road accidents. More than 60 % of trauma cases are linked to horrific road accidents,” said Duma.
Another concerning fact was that 399 drunk and driving arrests were recorded since 15 August in Port Shepstone.
“I have mandated the team [RTI] to be firm and remove from our road network, irresponsible and reckless motorists who are creating orphans, widows, and people living with disability,” said Duma.
Road carnage in South Africa has an annual `price tag’ of R164 billion. This equates to 3.4% of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) paid out R22 billion to accident victims in the 2022/2023 financial year. The claims were for loss of income.
