Safe and Sober Campaign

In a report produced in response to the Commission's mid-term review of the European Road Safety Action Programme, the European Parliament has recently called on Members States to consider introducing a zero alcohol limit for new drivers and professional drivers.

In light of this call, and of the recently developed EU Alcohol Strategy to reduce injuries and deaths from alcohol-related road traffic accidents, ETSC is organising a Transport Safety Seminar to discuss ways of preventing misuse of alcohol by commercial drivers.

The event will also mark the launch of a new 3-year ETSC campaign, supported by Volvo Group, on preventing drink driving in commercial transport: "Safe and Sober".

The effects of alcohol on driving performance range from anaesthesia after large amounts of alcohol to impairment of behavioural and cognitive capabilities after small doses. Alcohol may also decrease motivation to comply with safety standards, which may result in an active search for dangerous situations (such as competitive behaviour, or excessive speed). In general, all functions which are important in the safe operation of a motor vehicle can be affected by alcohol misuse.

New technology, such as alcolocks, could also work to reduce deaths caused by drink driving. Alcolocks are devices that require the driver to take a breath test before starting the vehicle. If the driver fails the test, the device locks the ignition so the engine will not start. Alcolocks also hold some promise as a primary prevention tool in professional transport. Conditions should be created to promote their use in professional transport sector including tour operators, (local) bus companies, dangerous goods or heavy freight transport companies, and taxi companies.

Finally, responsible advertising is a prerequisite for all countermeasure activity. There is a need to encourage a climate of opinion that drinking and driving is a socially unacceptable activity.

Next to the support & awareness raising activities, the Safe & Sober Campaign will focus on identifying and promoting Best Practice in preventing drink driving across the European Union. From its outset, there will be regular Transport Safety Seminars organised across the EU.