Wherever I go, people often ask why I have a device in my car that stops me from driving if I’ve been drinking. Some even ask, “Why punish yourself like that?” The truth is, it’s not a punishment — it’s a commitment. The device they’re talking about is the Booze Cap, a breathalyser for your car. In simple terms, it means the vehicle will not start until the driver takes a breathalyser test and passes it. If the driver’s alcohol reading is above the legal limit, the vehicle simply won’t start. It’s a simple idea that could save countless lives. Yet people are often surprised that I’d voluntarily install such a device — and that says a lot about our attitude toward drinking and driving.
The Culture of Acceptance
Across South Africa — and much of Africa — drinking and driving isn’t just a problem; it’s a culture. We hear phrases like “I’ll be fine” or “It’s just around the corner.” We joke, we excuse, and we stay silent. By law, the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers is 0.05 %, and 0.02 % for professional drivers such as bus, taxi, and truck operators. But impairment starts long before those limits are reached. Even one drink can reduce focus and reaction time. Every festive season, thousands of families lose loved ones on our roads — and it’s rarely “bad luck.” It’s choices, silence, and social norms that cost lives. The designated driver in most gatherings is often the owner of the vehicle, and passengers seldom speak up because they’re catching a free ride. The same happens in public transport: passengers rarely question whether the driver is fit to drive — some even share a drink before the trip begins.
The Safety Gap Nobody Talks About
Many transport companies proudly breathalyse their drivers before a shift — and that’s commendable. But here’s the uncomfortable question: Do we really know what’s in that flask, energy drink, or water bottle once the driver leaves the depot? Who ensures the driver remains alcohol-free mid-route or on the return journey? That’s the gap in road safety that we rarely address — and it’s often where tragedies begin. Bridging the Gap with Accountability and Technology This is where Booze Cap steps in. It doesn’t replace on-site testing or tracking — it complements them. Booze Cap ensures that every ignition, every start, begins with a driver who is alcohol-free. It links with telematics and tracking systems and includes an emergency override button for verified use during faults or emergencies. Think of it as a digital seatbelt — protecting lives before the engine even starts. Just like insurance, tracking, and fatigue monitoring, Booze Cap should be a standard safety layer in every fleet and family vehicle. It’s not about mistrust — it’s about protection.
Changing the Conversation
If we truly want safer roads, we have to start being honest. It’s not about how many drinks the law allows — it’s about why we still think any amount is acceptable. So let me ask you this: Would you trust someone who’s had a few drinks to drive your children home? If the answer is no, then we already know what needs to change. At Booze Cap, our mission is simple: Preventing Drunk Driving at the Source.
By Sally Sekai Rachel Mazhandu Founder & CEO, Booze Cap (Pty) Ltd.