Not too sure why that cop is holding a panga, but that’s not what we’re discussing here.

I’ll tell you the number one thing you should know about the new SAPS breathalyser – if you play by the rules and don’t put every other road user at risk, you won’t get caught.

Seriously, it’s 2018 and if you’re not making use of Uber you’re doing it wrong.

We’re here to talk about the new partnership between breathalyser manufacturer ALCO-Safe and the SAPS, though, which will see the latter roll out new “rapid test breathalyser instruments” across the country.

ALCO-Safe are pretty chuffed with the ‘Alcoblow Rapid Test’, saying the police chose it because of its speed and ease of use, and it’s slightly different to previous models.

Business Tech with those details:

…the device requires the individual being tested to blow into an inverted cone area, with results being delivered in under a second.

The model is also unique in that it differentiates between professional vehicle driver alcohol limits or private vehicle driver alcohol limits, said Rhys Evans, director at ALCO-Safe.

This is because professional vehicle driver alcohol limits are notably lower than those of private drivers, said Evans.

Results in under a second, hey – doesn’t even give you time to reach for your wallet.

The device will come with three coloured light indicators, and you’ll be hoping for green:

• A green light – indicates a negative test and that there is acceptable sobriety;
• An orange light –  indicates that the person has tested over the professional drinking limit;
• A red light –  indicate that a person is over all legal alcohol limits.

If you happen to see that red light, you’ll be hauled into the cop shop for a secondary test, usually involving a blood sample.

Which might eventually end up lost, if you scratch the right backs.

As for those hidden traffic cameras that are so popular on the Garden Route over the festive season, are we being taken for a ride?

A reader mailed Wheels24 with a photo of a rather crafty trap:

They then asked legal firm LawForAll, who offered this clarification:

The hidden cameras are, in fact, legal, and no warning sign is required. Unless it’s for average speed prosecutions, it is well within the rights of traffic authorities to use these disguised devices to enforce the law.

That isn’t going to stop us from moaning about it, though. A little more about these contraptions:

…the above-mentioned trap is known as a ‘green mamba’, and they are portable devices that record speeding motorists by means of radar and laser sensors.

These cameras are only used during the day as they don’t have flashes for them to be effective during the night or bad weather…

The radar guns are disguised in such a way that they blend into the natural environment around them. Again, there is no legal obligation from traffic authorities to warn motorists about the device.

The same goes for the speed traps that are actually controlled by traffic officials. However, as Nagtegaal points out: “The official must be in possession of a valid operator’s certificate and calibration certificate for the device that he or she is using. You also have the right to ask the official to present both documents.”

You have the right, but you can bet it’s not going to be offered with a smile.

The long and the short of it all? Obey the rules of the road and take an Uber when drinking.

Cheers to that.

[sources:bustech&wheels24]