Driving after consuming one or more drinks too many can, at the very least, lead to a criminal conviction that will remain on one’s criminal record for at least 10 years, impacting your chances of securing a job and obtaining a passport. At worst, you could be responsible for harming an innocent person and being jailed.
The stories of people going to jail due to drunk-driving are part of a festive season campaign by AWARE.org, which is dedicated to promoting and supporting the responsible use of alcohol.
The campaign exposes the devastating consequences of reckless choices, particularly drunk-driving, in a disruptive and sobering format.
Highlighting the lives of prison inmates who are now paying the price for their poor decisions, the campaign tells stories of regret, loss, and the harsh consequences faced by once ordinary people. Each inmate shares how their choices led to life-altering outcomes, sending a clear message: “This is one reality you don’t want to be part of.”
Using inmates’ firsthand accounts, the campaign underscores that no one is invincible to the consequences of their actions.
Click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnvf_IAqkss to see some of the inmates’ accounts.
Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, says, “This campaign is a wake-up call to all South Africans. Drunk-driving is not just a risk; it’s a choice with potentially devastating consequences—for you, your family, and society as a whole.”
“Drunk-driving is not just a personal risk; it’s a societal tragedy. With road accidents claiming so many lives every year, we wanted to tackle the issue in a way that resonates emotionally and drives home the seriousness of this behaviour,” says Thulo.
“This campaign serves as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for South Africans to prioritise responsibility and safety this festive season. ”By integrating visuals, personal stories, and the harsh truths of incarceration, AWARE.org hopes to challenge perceptions—such as “I only had one drink, it’s okay” or “So what, I won’t get caught”—and encourage South Africans to rethink their choices.
Thulo continues, “This campaign reflects our commitment to a safer, more responsible South Africa. We are proud to collaborate with stakeholders like the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to bring this impactful message to life. Together, we aim to ensure that no family has to endure injury, loss of life, or even financial strain due to preventable accidents.”
“Drunk-driving is not just a personal risk—it endangers the lives of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. We urge every South African to make responsible choices this festive season. Together, we can change behaviours, save lives, and ensure safer roads for all,” says Refilwe Mongale, General Manager: Organisational Strategy Development at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether it’s designating a sober driver, planning ahead, simply deciding not to drink if you’re driving, or whether you are the person next to someone who has had alcohol and is about to drive, we all have a role to play in saving lives,” adds Thulo.
