Durban — The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged soccer lovers to avoid drinking and driving during the World Cup 2022 hosted in Qatar.
The message came before the opening ceremony and the first match between Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday afternoon.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said that traffic authorities are calling on football lovers who intend to watch the Qatar World Cup in pubs and taverns avoid driving after drinking alcohol.
“Drunk driving is one of the major causes of fatal crashes in South Africa,” Zwane said. “It is estimated that up to 27% of fatal crashes in the country are attributable to drunk driving. These can be avoided by taking a few simple steps.”
Zwane says if one is going out drinking with friends, have a designated sober driver. Where this is not possible, make use of public transport or e-hailing services to get home safely.
“Law enforcement officers will also be stepping up their drunk driving operations for the duration of the football tournament to help those who cannot help themselves and keep the roads safe.”
Zwane said that South Africans are renowned for their love of football and for binge drinking.
“Officers would not like to spoil the fun. However, fun-loving motorists must also play their part and avoid drunk driving,” Zwane concluded.
The World Cup started on November 20, 2022, and ends on December 18, 2022.
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