JMPD supports AWARE.org seminar on road safety

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) took part in the AWARE.org Don’t Drink & Drive: Driving Action for Safer Roads seminar held on Thursday, October 16.

Representing the JMPD was spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, who participated in a panel discussion on Communication and Advertising.

The discussion centred on how law enforcement and communication experts can use data-driven insights to design targeted road safety campaigns that inspire measurable behavioural change.

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Fihla shared how the JMPD’s on-the-ground experience can be leveraged to dispel public misconceptions about driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement.

He emphasised the need to build trust between law enforcement and the public through transparent, educational messaging rather than fear-based campaigns.

He also discussed how law enforcement data – beyond traditional crash statistics – can be used to identify high-risk groups and behaviours before incidents occur, allowing for more proactive road safety measures.

The high-level seminar followed a successful Road Safety Roundtable and aimed to co-create a data-integrated roadmap to address key gaps in alcohol-related road safety.

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Delivering the keynote address, Department of Transport Deputy Minister Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving road safety through collaboration and innovation.

The event concluded with the signing of a Commitment Board, establishing a framework for accountability and partnership between government, the private sector, and civil society.

According to the JMPD, insights from enforcement agencies will play a crucial role in shaping national awareness campaigns that encourage responsible behaviour on the roads.

“We’re committed to ensuring that enforcement insights directly shape effective national campaigns,” the JMPD said.