Anti-drug driving campaign: 'If you take something, take a taxi'
The Flemish Foundation for Traffic Science has launched a new campaign aimed at combating drug use among drivers during the end-of-year festivities. Using the slogan "If you take something, take a taxi" the initiative seeks to encourage young people who use drugs to choose alternatives to driving, such as taxis or public transport.
The campaign kicks off at the Extrema Noir festival in Hasselt and will feature posters, influencer videos and social media platforms. The goal is to reach a wide audience and drive home the dangers of drug use behind the wheel.
Police in Flanders caught 8,488 people driving under the influence of illegal drugs last eyar. Drivers who test positive face an immediate driving ban of at least 12 hours, and in severe cases, their licence may be revoked for up to 6.5 months. Offenders can also face fines of up to 16,000 euros.
An online survey of 271 Flemish drivers aged 18 to 35 reveals that 10 per cent admit to having driven under the influence of drugs. This figure represents nearly half of those who acknowledged using illegal drugs in the past year.
"A minority causes excessively high risks, both for themselves and for others," said Flemish Mobility minister Annick De Ridder.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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