Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has proposed a total ban on drinking before driving and plans to amend a 30-year-old policy.
The highest alcohol reading was recorded in KZN, where a motorist tested 14 times the legal limit.
Creecy made the statement on Thursday while citing festive season road safety statistics that showed how alcohol continues to pose a major threat on South Africa’s roads.
The Minister, together with Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, held a media briefing to release the Road Safety Report for the 2025/2026 festive season.
The Report covered the period from 1 December 2025 until 11 January 2026.
Sharp uptick in drinking and driving-related offences
Preliminary data from the 2025/2026 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign showed a five percent drop in both crashes and fatalities compared to the previous year.
A total of 1 427 people died in 1 172 crashes between 1 December and 11 January.
While the overall trend is encouraging, alcohol-related offences surged sharply during the same period.
Law enforcement officers tested 173 695 drivers for alcohol during festive season roadblocks. Of these, 8 561 tested positive for driving under the influence.
This represents a 144% increase compared to the same period last year.
The highest alcohol reading was recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, where a motorist tested at 14 times the legal limit.
Image: Getty Images.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has proposed a total ban on drinking!
Nyakaza Media Solutions - Yo School Magazine
Nyakaza Media Solutions, founded to empower schools, helps learners research, write, and publish newsletters, bulletins, and maintain websites. With a mission to promote dialogue on issues affecting young people, the organisation encourages learners to celebrate excellence, embrace growth, and strive for greatness. Nyakaza Media Solutions aims to foster better individuals and future South African leaders through positive and productive behaviour.