A campaign with a nod to sports betting is aimed specifically at young people, reminding them that driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can be fatal, regardless of mode of transport. It's summer, the catering industry is open again, we can finally see our friends again and celebrate this reunion. It is also a good time to remember that it is not so innocent to return home with a glass or a joint by car, bicycle or scooter.
In Brussels, alcohol and/or drugs play a role in 11% of serious accidents (with fatalities and serious injuries) and the use of certain substances is a worrying trend. For example, 14% of Brussels drivers under the age of 34 stated in 2020 that they inhaled nitrous oxide at least once a month before getting into the car (source Vias). This staggering finding prompts Brussels Mobility to tackle drink-driving in all its forms!
"When you go on the track, you need all your attention. Under the influence of drugs and alcohol, you are a danger to yourself and others, even without intending to. Don't bet on getting home without accidents: play on safe!"
Don't give the predictions a chance
After the Barlos campaign of 2020, Brussels Mobility is once again making its mark with a campaign based on the concept of sports betting. The message "Don't give the predictions a chance” is co-promoted by the Belgian actor Guy Staumont (Dikkenek). The campaign is aimed at young people (18 – 30 years old), regardless of their mode of transport, and discusses the effects of drugs and alcohol, with special attention to nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide). In Brussels, 18 to 30-year-olds represent 27% of seriously injured and fatal traffic victims.
The campaign will be shown on social media, on television in the context of the European Championship matches and on posters in the nightlife areas of Brussels. It illustrates how the risk of an accident increases from the first glass and rises sharply with larger quantities or combinations leading to a real multiplier effect. For example, the combination of driving, alcohol and drugs leads to 20 to 200 times more risk of a serious accident. In Brussels, there is a zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs: the immediate collection is not applied but the driving license is immediately revoked and the offender is summoned to a police judge.
Possible solutions
The solution does not consist in returning home by bicycle or scooter, these are also means of transport with which one travels on the street and poses a danger to oneself and others. It is best to designate a Bob during a group outing. More and more tasty alcohol-free alternatives such as mocktails are available. And when everyone really wants to have a drink, public transport or a taxi can help. The best solution to also keep the end of the evening cheerful is to organize the return journey while you are still thinking clearly. Plan to spend the night on site, share a taxi with friends, travel by public transport… in other words, take care of a festive night out.
About Brussels Mobility
Within the Brussels-Capital Region, Brussels Mobility is responsible for determining mobility strategies, road safety, projects for design, renovation and maintenance of public spaces and regional roads, public transport infrastructure, taxis and regional properties. Brussels Mobility thus fulfills essential tasks for improving the quality of life within the region and its sustainable and harmonious development.
