Belgian traffic safety campaign partners with major festivals to promote safe sober driving
The Belgian traffic safety initiative, BOB, will once again be highly visible at Belgian festivals this summer. Drivers who remain sober behind the wheel will receive special-edition BOB keychains linked to festivals. Additional drink-driving checks will be carried out nationwide from Friday evening until 31 August, the Vias Institute announced on Friday.
This year, the campaign is partnering with several major festivals, which will incorporate BOB messaging into their mobility communications, including parking vouchers, car parks and websites. Participating festivals include Rock Werchter, Dour, Pukkelpop, Les Ardentes, Ronquières, the Lokerse Feesten, Festival Dranouter, Rock Herk and Bunkpop/Strandfuif.
In addition to the festival-themed keychains, the BOB hot-air balloon will tour the country this summer to promote the message that alcohol and driving do not mix.
"Our message to the Belgians is clear," said interior minister Bernard Quintin (MR). "Go to festivals and enjoy the major summer events, but above all, do so safely, with a designated driver you have chosen in advance."
The acronym BOB stands for Bewust Onbeschonken Bestuurder
(Consciously Sober Driver)
Extra enforcement this summer
Local and federal police will conduct additional alcohol checks throughout the campaign period. Since the start of this year, drivers caught with a blood alcohol level above 0.8 per mille automatically lose their licence for 15 days, compared with 1.2 per mille previously.
Although the number of injuries in alcohol-related accidents has fallen by 17 per cent over the past decade, Vias says continued enforcement and awareness campaigns remain necessary. Last year, 4,735 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes. Between 2016 and 2025, almost 50,000 people were injured in accidents involving a driver under the influence.
"That is almost the exact number of seats in the King Baudouin Stadium," said Vias CEO Karin Genoe.
Cyclists also subject to alcohol limits
Vias also reminded the public that the legal alcohol limit applies to cyclists. Over the past decade, the number of injury accidents involving cyclists over the legal limit has nearly tripled, rising from 196 cases in 2016 to 544 in 2025.
"Let us make this a summer we will remember for the sporting achievements of our compatriots, the amazing performances at festivals, and the numerous garden parties. In short: for the enjoyable things in life, not for the miserable aftermath of an accident under the influence. That is why I call on everyone to have the designated driver reflex: do not drive under the influence of alcohol," added mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés).
A logo pictured at a press conference to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BOB campaign, Wednesday 26 November 2025 in Brussels. © BELGA PHOTO MORGANE BERGER
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