As the public holidays period continues, there is a sharp focus on the road fatalities as holidaymakers celebrate religious and national public holidays over the next few weeks. Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy has introduced harsher penalties for driving under the influence given after a review of prevention strategies by after the 30% increase in vehicle accidents caused by drunk driving during the 2024/25 festive season.

Besides harsher penalties, one must consider the impact and pressure it places on healthcare facilities and the cost burden placed on trauma units. Drunk driving in South Africa places a significant financial burden on hospitals and trauma clinics, costing the country an estimated R142.95 billion annually. This includes costs related to vehicular damage, hospital care, and lost productivity. A study in 2017 estimated that for every fatality on South African roads, there are 4.6 serious injuries and 14.9 slight injuries, according to SaferSpaces. The average hospital cost per admission for a pedestrian or passenger involved in a crash is approximately ZAR 80,000. In this hour, we speak to experts to help us unpack what it will take to combat this issue. We are joined by…

Guest: Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org

Guest: Maurice Smithers - Alcohol Harm Reduction activist with the Working for an Alcohol Safer South Africa (WASSA)