The campaign kicked off on 11 April along the N1 in Kroonstad, one of the busiest travel routes during the Easter period. Aimed at promoting safe driving, vehicle roadworthiness, and responsible road use, the initiative addressed one of the most dangerous times on South Africa’s roads.

On-Site Road Safety Activations

Throughout the Easter weekend, AASA and its partners engaged thousands of motorists at key locations. A major activation on 17 April at Shell Ultra City in Kroonstad offered:

• Passenger safety simulations
• Tyre and vehicle safety checks
• Face-to-face advice from road safety experts

These interactive activities provided practical safety tips and real-time vehicle assessments, helping travellers prepare for safer journeys.

Strong Advocacy for Safer Roads

AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying:
"The Easter period is a high-risk time on our roads. Our goal was to remind drivers that responsible behaviour saves lives. We urged motorists to plan ahead, rest regularly, and prioritise safety."

MasterDrive supported the campaign with an engaging activation highlighting the dangers of drunk driving. Using "Drunk Buster Goggles," participants experienced simulated impairment, helping them better understand the impact of alcohol on coordination and reaction times. MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert noted that these simulations were designed to shift perceptions and encourage safer driving behaviour.

RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi underscored the risks faced by pedestrians, particularly related to reckless driving and alcohol abuse, calling for greater responsibility from all road users.

Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, encouraged motorists to drive cautiously in poor weather, rest every 200 kilometres or two hours, maintain safe speeds, and avoid distractions such as mobile phone use.

Extending the Message Through Social Media

Supporting the field activations, the campaign also drove online engagement through the hashtags #GotHomeSafe and #ItStartsWithMe, encouraging travellers to share their safe arrival stories and amplify the message of responsible road use.

Through this joint effort, AASA and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to promoting safer roads and reminded all South Africans that safe travel starts with every individual.