Self-Test Breathalyser Overview

An initiative proudly supported by Hollard.

“We need to steer our world to safer roads ahead. Together we can save millions of lives.” Ban-Ki Moon, UN Secretary-General

“Vehicles have become the deadliest weapons of mass destruction in recent history. We must act and we must act now!” Sibusiso Ndebele, SA Transport Minister

We all know the dangers of drinking and driving but the worldwide statistics published by the United Nations as part of its Decade of Action for Road Safety make for very sobering reading:

• Every 6 seconds someone, somewhere, dies in a road accident.
• Every hour, 145 people die or are seriously injured & 20% are children.
• Every year, 1 million people lose their lives on the road & 50 million are injured.
• At this rate, by 2020, the annual death toll will soar to 5 million!
• It is a global scourge that has to STOP... and it STARTS with US!

According to the Department of Transport over 14 000 people die on South African roads each year. That's 40 a day! Most road accidents occur as a result of irresponsible drinking.

Using the self-test breathalyser is the first step in taking a responsible approach to drinking.

Submit a comment

We want to hear from you.

Comments*

 

Thank you for your comment

We'll display it once it's been approved by a Hollard representative.

Add another comment

An error occurred.

Please post your comment again.

Add comment

Instructions

How to use the Self-test Breathalyser.

Before using the device, please read the following important notice:

The Hollard breathalyser is distributed free of charge by Hollard in the public's interest. The user accepts that Hollard makes no representations as to the accuracy or reliability of the device in measuring breath alcohol level, and that Hollard will under no circumstances be liable for any harm caused through use of or reliance on the device.

Results within 2 minutes

The crystals turn green in the presence of breath alcohol.

Green crystals over the red line = over the limit

 

No green crystals OR green crystals below the red line = under the limit

FAQ's

Q: What is a self-test breathalyser?

A: The self-test breathalyser is a simple monitoring device that helps drivers assess definitively, for themselves, whether they are fit to get behind the wheel after they have been drinking. Approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the breathalyser is a handy, disposable tube containing reactive crystals that change colour in the presence of alcohol.

Q: What's the big deal about drinking and driving?

A: According to the United Nations' Decade of Action for Road Safety: Every 6 seconds someone, somewhere, dies in a road accident. Every 60 minutes, 145 people die or are seriously injured and 20% of them are children. (In South Africa, the Department of Transport calculates that over 40 people die every day.) Worldwide, 1 000 000 people lose their lives on the road every year and 50 million are injured. At this rate, by 2020, the annual road death toll will soar to 5 million.

Q: What other stakeholders are involved in promoting responsible drinking initiatives?

A: Aside from the United Nations - which is responsible for orchestrating the global Decade of Action for Road Safety campaign (www.decadeofaction.org) - local stakeholders that support it and are engaged in efforts to promote more responsible road usage include the Department of Transport (www.transport.gov.za), Arrive Alive (www.arrivealive.co.za) and the South African Police Service (www.saps.gov.za). More information about their detailed participation is available on their websites.

Q: I like it, where can I buy it from?

A: The breathalyser is available at Dis Chem and Clicks retail outlets.

Q: I've heard about it, but why can't I get this in KZN/CPT etc?

A: The self-test breathalyser is already available in Dis Chem and Clicks stores nationwide. Hollard's campaign of distributing free self-test breathalysers is being rolled out in Johannesburg as a pilot project.

Q: How do I know that this breathalyser really works?

A: The breathalyser is manufactured to high standards and designed to work in line with instructions on the packaging. In the unlikely event, the device is defective (i.e. packaging has been compromised in some way) consumers should get a new breathalyser.