Getting home safely should be the best part of every journey.

That is the thinking behind Drive Sober, Stay Alive, a new partnership between AWARE.org and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) aimed at making Johannesburg's roads safer through education, technology and smarter law enforcement.

Running until December 2026, the six-month campaign focuses on encouraging responsible choices before drivers get behind the wheel, while strengthening efforts to reduce alcohol related crashes across the city.

More Than Just Roadblocks

While visible roadblocks remain an important part of the campaign, the initiative goes far beyond traditional traffic enforcement.

Drive Sober, Stay Alive combines public education, community engagement, research and targeted policing to encourage safer driving habits and reduce risky behaviour before it leads to tragedy.

The campaign also promotes partnerships with communities, businesses and road users, recognising that road safety is a shared responsibility rather than the job of law enforcement alone.

Smarter Technology for Safer Roads

As part of the initiative, JMPD is expanding the use of Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing (eBAT) devices.

These approved breath testing systems provide accurate, court-admissible evidence, helping officers process suspected drink driving cases more efficiently while supporting fair and effective enforcement.

The campaign will also analyse data on alcohol related crashes and arrests to identify high-risk areas and times. This information will help direct resources where they are needed most, particularly during busy travel periods, long weekends and the festive season.

Working Towards a Bigger Goal

The initiative supports South Africa's broader road safety strategy, which aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries while encouraging more responsible road use.

Rather than focusing only on penalties, the campaign highlights the importance of making safe decisions before setting off.

Every driver who chooses not to drink and drive helps make Johannesburg's roads safer for passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and fellow motorists.

Before You Head Out

Planning ahead can make all the difference.

• Choose a designated driver before leaving home.
• Book an e-hailing service if you plan to drink.
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• Stay over with friends or family instead of driving after drinking.
• Never accept a lift from someone who has been drinking.
• Encourage friends and family to make responsible choices before getting behind the wheel.
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Why It Matters

Most of us spend time on Johannesburg's roads every day, whether commuting to work, taking children to school or heading out for a night with friends.

Simple decisions, such as arranging a safe way home before the evening begins, can help prevent crashes and save lives.

Campaigns like Drive Sober, Stay Alive are a reminder that road safety starts long before you turn the key.

The Bottom Line

Drive Sober, Stay Alive is about far more than catching offenders.

It represents a positive investment in education, technology and evidence-led policing, while encouraging every road user to play a part in creating safer streets.

By combining public awareness with targeted enforcement, Johannesburg is taking another step towards reducing preventable crashes and helping more people get home safely, every journey, every time.