Park your car, not your life, during the festive season

As South Africa heads into one of its busiest travel periods, AWARE.org has launched #Shiy’imoto, a national road safety initiative urging motorists to ‘leave the car behind’ when consuming alcohol.

The campaign calls for an immediate shift in driver behaviour to help reduce avoidable crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

The initiative follows concerning national trends, including a rise in road deaths and persistently high levels of alcohol-related incidents on the country’s roads.

More than 3 840 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence during the last festive period, and the majority of serious crashes continue to involve speeding, fatigue, or alcohol use.

“These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent shattered families and lives changed forever,” said CEO of AWARE.org, Mokebe Thulo.

“If this resonates even slightly with your sense of humanity, don’t get behind the wheel after drinking. Parking your car can save lives. It really is that simple.”

AWARE.org’s approach taps into South Africa’s deep cultural connection to cars. For many people, a vehicle represents pride, independence, and hard-earned achievement, while remaining an essential part of daily life, especially where public transport options are limited.

“We know how quickly an afternoon braai can turn festive and stretch late into the night,” Thulo adds.

“We’re not here to judge. We’re here to remind everyone that a good time should never put lives at risk. If you’ve had a drink, park the car and take an e-hailing ride, stay the night, or plan ahead by appointing a sober driver.”

Supporting the initiative, the Chief Communication Officer at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Simon Zwane, highlights the urgency of increased vigilance on the roads.

“During the 2024/25 festive season, South Africa reported 1 589 fatalities across 1 286 fatal crashes between 1 December 2024 and 11 January, many involving the misuse of alcohol.

Initiatives like #Shiy’imoto are important because they encourage drivers to make safer choices before they start their journeys,” said Zwane.

Zwane adds that the RTMC will intensify on-road operations during the peak travel period.

“Officers will be deployed to high-risk routes and accident hotspots. They will conduct roadblocks, speed checks, breathalyser, and Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing (eBAT). We are also running a nationwide public-awareness campaign and working with community partners to promote safer road use.

“We acknowledge that enforcement alone is not enough. Sustainable change depends on every road user making responsible decisions. If you drink, do not drive. Plan ahead, use e-hailing services, or appoint a sober driver. These choices save lives.”

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