Aware.org says between now and the first week of May, much of South Africa will be taking a well-earned holiday break. After more than 750 days, the National State of Disaster has been lifted, raising people’s spirits. Most of us believe – and rightly so – that we deserve some serious downtime.
But we also need to think about how we enter this post-pandemic phase. It’s not so much about “getting back to normal” as it is an embrace of the new future. A future made more precious by the events we have lived through – and one we should cherish and treat with care.
For many years, Aware.Org, with its industry stakeholders, has partnered with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in ongoing road safety campaigns. This holiday season, we have developed an intense four-week campaign aimed at both drivers and pedestrians. The message we are sending out is clear: make plans to get home safely before you take your first sip.
WATCH: A real-life account of how one person’s decision to drink and drive changed a family’s life forever
Aware.org CEO Carmen Mohapi said, “The reasons for this campaign are plain: we want to reduce road accidents and pedestrian fatalities.” She pointed out that while drinking and walking were not illegal, walking home after a few drinks is not a good idea: last year, pedestrians accounted for 39% of all road fatalities.
“From the community patrollers to the tavern owners, manufacturers and retailers, we have all banded together to promote this campaign. Our mission is to engage people before they start drinking and inform them of the risks of driving and walking after drinking. The message is simple: think clearly before you can’t.”
Carmen Mohapi CEO of Aware.org
Aware.org has nationwide mass media campaign
The nationwide mass media campaign by Aware.org comprises billboards, radio, digital displays and social media, including LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Apart from the 500 community patrollers deployed across nine provinces, more than 50 “hotspots” have been identified and aligned with relevant SAPS stations. These efforts will also involve a national mobilisation of alcohol evidence centres (AECs) at roadblocks to help enforce blood-alcohol limits and accelerate the prosecution of offenders.
RTMC Road Safety Executive Thabiso Ndebele said, “The use of AECs, random alcohol breath tests and roadblocks have proved to be a primary factor in encouraging responsible behaviour and responsible consumption. This campaign further drives home the message that South Africans must change their drinking behaviour. Our message is simple: think about how you will get home before you’ve had even one drink.”
“This Easter holiday campaign aims to optimise the opportunity to influence behaviour and save lives,” said Mohapi. And it shows that industry and related stakeholders are actively and visibly making a concerted effort to influence a reduction in alcohol-induced accidents over the upcoming holiday period.”
Be responsible this Easter weekend and “think before you can’t.”
ALSO READ from Aware.org: Aware.org and RTMC call on citizens to clamp down on irresponsible drinking this Festive Season
- Plan your journey. Always prefer to travel during the day
- Drive with care. Always stay under the speed limits, avoid overtaking and be cognisant of bad weather conditions. Ensure you can see the road clearly, vehicle roadworthiness is essential, be visible and remember you share road space.
- Drive Sober. No intoxicants of any kind and never drive after drinking.
- Drive secure. Everyone in your vehicle must be wearing a seatbelt, small children should be in a proper child restraint.
- No cell phones. Do not take texts or calls while driving and stay focused on the road.
- Stay sharp. Take regular breaks and never drive tired, stressed or on medication that affects driving.
- Respect COVID-19 guidelines. Sanitise, social distance, always wear a mask. If you are in a vehicle and not alone, you are required to have your mask on at all times.
#AwareOfTomorrow #NeverDrinkAndDrive
