With the festive season now underway, the Walloon Agency for Road Safety (AWSR) has launched an anti-drink-driving campaign as the number of incidents doubles around this time of year.
Posters along roads, radio adverts, and social media posts will run until mid-January in Wallonia, the Agency confirmed in a press release on Wednesday.
This season is a particularly risky time for alcohol-related accidents. "December records the highest proportional count. The number of accidents involving an intoxicated driver even doubles during the holiday season," it noted.
According to a 2023 AWSR survey involving 1,000 Walloons, eight out of ten struggle to choose between drinking and driving. More alarmingly, one in three felt capable of driving whilst 'slightly drunk'.
The survey also disclosed that 12% of Walloons admitted to not limiting their alcohol intake when driving after family parties or meals in a restaurant. Comparatively, 8% of drivers claimed to disregard the amount of alcohol consumed during nightclub outings.
'Responsible resolution'
"The principal aim of this awareness campaign is to propose a responsible resolution: one to uphold not only for the evening but throughout the year, one that could save lives. People should never consume alcohol before driving," the ASWR emphasised.
In total, 20,000 single-use breathalysers will be distributed at several Christmas markets on 9 and 16 December. These aim to encourage those struggling to keep their resolution of 0% alcohol to test themselves anywhere, anytime.
