The regional Flemish Government and the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Knowledge (VSV) continue their joint efforts to combat distracted drivers with a new campaign under the slogan “Focus on the road, not on your mobile”.
Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA) highlighted the significant risks associated with mobile phone use behind the wheel. VSV statistics indicate that one in three Flemish drivers has experienced a dangerous situation due to this distraction, with men and young people aged 18 to 29 being particularly prone to taking risks.
The campaign aims to encourage drivers to consciously choose to minimise distractions. To demonstrate the impact of mobile use, Minister De Ridder participated in a practical test conducted by the VSV and VAB Driving School in Antwerp. The test results underscored how even brief glances at a smartphone can adversely affect reaction times and the ability to maintain lane discipline.
The campaign features eye-catching posters along Flemish roads, messages on fuel nozzles, and social media content, along with concrete tips to avoid distractions: presetting navigation and music, silencing mobile phones, and keeping devices out of sight. Media personality Bockie De Repper returns as the campaign’s figurehead, having been its face last year.
This extended campaign coincides with stricter enforcement and penalties for mobile phone use while driving, already in effect in Flanders. Since the beginning of the year, offenders risk immediate licence revocation and possible court appearances with fines up to €4,000.
