The number of drivers caught drunk behind the steering wheel continues to drop in Belgium. The figure during the latest edition of the national BOB (designated driver) campaign is believed to be the lowest in 30 years.
Drink driving in Belgium remains one of the biggest killers on the roads. More checks are therefore being carried out to curb the problem.
The BOB campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the last winter BOB campaign, which ran from 29 November 2024 to 3 February 2025, 605,759 drivers were checked. This is almost 200,000 more drivers than the year before.
Of all the tested drivers, 1.22% tested positive, the federal police reported on Monday. One year ago, this figure was 1.57%.
"Compared to last winter's campaign, we are seeing a decrease in the percentage of drivers under the influence, while the number of drivers checked has increased considerably," said Chief Commissioner Koen Ricour. "This trend offers hope for the future."
Lowest since 1995
Traffic institute Vias also welcomed the decrease, and said the percentage of drivers testing positive was at the lowest level since the start of the BOB campaigns in 1995. "Ten years ago, during the 2013-2014 winter campaign, 2.8% of drivers tested positive," the institute told Belga News Agency.
However, the amount of alcohol in people's blood did raise concerns. Two in three drivers who tested positive had 0.8 per mille (0.8‰), while the legal limit in Belgium is 0.5‰. "This means those who are caught drink-driving have often drunk far too much," Vias explained, adding that the risk of an accident increases with the alcohol level.
The federal police continue to call on people to arrange a safe alternative when drinking while out, such as a designated driver, taxi or overnight accommodation.
