Transport Month: Tackling Drunk Driving as a Top Priority

This October Transport Month, the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (AWARE.org), dedicated to reducing alcohol misuse, reinforces its commitment to road safety and working with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), NICRO, and other partners on a robust series of #DontDrinkandDrive initiatives.

In a bid to contribute to the United Nations (UN) Global Road Safety target of reducing drinking and driving incidents by 50% by 2030, AWARE.org has spearheaded several road safety initiatives, which are aligned to its whole-of-society approach to prevent alcohol-related harm, including road incidents, by involving various social and economic sectors.

As the festive season approaches, AWARE.org is intensifying its road safety efforts across South Africa. The upcoming #DontDrinkandDrive campaign, set to launch ahead of the peak holiday period, will prioritise enhanced DUI operations and more efficient alcohol testing. In collaboration with metro police departments, the programme will facilitate quicker and more precise calibration of evidential breath alcohol testing (EBAT) equipment, alongside improved data capturing through the support of four dedicated data capturers, who are already assisting with docket management.

The recent results of AWARE.org’s road safety efforts show encouraging progress.

From April to June, 1 877 roadblocks were conducted, leading to 2 218 arrests. Over the course of the second quarter of 2024, more than 4 000 roadblocks were held, resulting in over 4 800 arrests in partnership with the JMPD. These figures highlight the extensive enforcement operations being implemented to ensure safer roads. Moreover, 78% of the DUI enforcement target was reached for the April-June quarter, and DUI-related arrests exceeded targets by 114%, demonstrating the impact of these interventions.

“We know that around 5.5% of road incidents in South Africa are directly caused by drinking and driving,” says Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org. "This statistic may seem small, but each one of those incidents represents lives affected. Through our initiatives, we are determined to bring that percentage down and continue our drive to save lives."

AWARE.org’s partnerships with RTMC, JMPD, and NICRO are vital in supporting a multi-faceted public-private partnership approach. This collaboration not only helps enforce the law but also creates opportunities for behaviour change. For instance, qualifying drivers who get convicted for drunk driving can be diverted from prison to rehabilitation through NICRO, where they are guided to recognise and address their risky behaviours.

“When you empower people, you can achieve the desired positive change. It is important to empower and educate South Africans so that they understand the responsibility that lies with them in society. We are all in this together. When we come together as a community, we create a safety net for those who need it the most. It’s about being there for each other," says Refilwe Mongale, the Executive Manager for Road Safety, Stakeholder Relations & Marketing at the RTMC, whose work has touched countless lives in the road safety space.

‍
One of the most impactful aspects of AWARE.org's collaboration with NICRO is the ‘Shifting Gears’ programme, which assists many individuals who have previously engaged in drunk driving.

“We have received inspiring testimonies from participants who have found rehabilitation and a new perspective on road safety. Their stories highlight the actual difference we are making,” explains Thulo.

"Participating in the Shifting Gears programme has really helped me become a better, safer driver. It's been more than just a rehab programme—it's been a journey of personal growth. The skills I've learned aren't just about driving; they've taught me to care more about everyone's safety on the road. Overall, it's been a positive experience that's made a real difference in how I approach driving and life."

"I would have never thought that I needed this kind of programme. I have rehabilitated and now I know how to behave on our roads and what it means to be responsible for my own safety and others. I am now always attentive and aware so that I don’t cause accidents. This programme has changed my attitude and driving behaviour, and it has also changed my life for the better."

"My attitude and behaviours prior to joining this programme was that of taking advantage and for granted owning a car and having access to infrastructure, being a bit of a risk-taker, and being aggressive and impulsive on the roads, as well as being intolerant of others' mistakes on the roads. After completing this programme, I’ve become more accepting and knowledgeable about these bad behaviours and want to be a better and safer driver on the roads."

Currently, AWARE.org is pursuing discussions with other metro areas to scale up these #DontDrinkandDrive initiatives and further entrench a culture of responsible alcohol consumption across the country.

One of the organisation's standout interventions is the Drunk Goggles simulator, which provides South Africans with a tangible experience of how alcohol impairs their ability to operate a vehicle. The simulator enables individuals to “see” the dangers of drunk driving while sober, raising awareness and encouraging behaviour change.

As Transport Month continues, and the festive season nears, AWARE.org remains resolute in its mission to protect South African road users from the dangers of alcohol-related accidents. “We are gradually reaching our goals, and witnessing people transform their lives for the better. This makes our work truly meaningful,” concludes Thulo.