Launch of the new road safety awareness campaign "Zero alcool before driving"

On 14 November 2022, François Bausch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mobility and Public Works, and Paul Hammelmann, President of La Sécurité Routière, presented the new road safety campaign "Zero alcohol before driving", which aims to raise awareness among the general public of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Statistics show that alcohol remains the second main cause of accidents on Luxembourg's roads, with a sharp increase in the number of fatal and serious accidents in 2021.

Due to an increase in accidents since 2021, the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works and La Sécurité Routière have decided to launch a campaign, opting for a friendly tone.  The aim is to remind drivers of the risks of serious and fatal accidents related to driving under the influence of alcohol. The campaign also aims to show that there are many ways to ensure that you get home safely.

At the press conference, François Bausch said: "It is important to launch the campaign before the festive season. We have seen that alcohol consumption has increased again in the post-COVID period. When people decide to drink alcohol, they will have to use an alternative and consider the fatal consequences for themselves and others."

The president of La Sécurité Routière, Paul Hammelmann wonders whether in view of the increasing figures, it should be considered to carry out alcohol checks without the order of the public prosecutor, as is the case with speed checks.

"Citizens should not be afraid of systematic road checks by the police, but rather be aware that after consuming alcohol, they tend to drive in a dangerous and risky way", adds André Schaack, chief commissioner of the national traffic and road safety service of the Luxembourg Police.

The campaign focuses on the danger of drinking and driving and the fatal consequences, emphasising the right reflexes to adopt in the event of alcohol consumption, and suggests alternatives to driving, such as using public transport, taking a taxi or staying overnight with family or friends. The best solution is always not to drive after drinking alcohol, even if it is moderate.

The new campaign "Zero alcohol before driving" is broadcast on television, in the cinema, on the radio, in the digital press, by banners on the websites of various media, on social networks, on digital screens in trams and buses as well as on the full back of the RGTR network buses. It is also displayed on 45 road signs in the national network.

Visuals

Video (speach in Luxembourgish, text in French)

Press release by the Ministry for Mobility and Public Works & Sécurité Routière a.s.b.l.