A European survey shows that 7% of Belgians, or around 420 000 drivers, have already had an accident attributable to alcohol behind the wheel. Last year, nearly 47 000 drivers, an average of 128 per day, were also fined for ‘alcohol behind the wheel’ in Belgium.

The new BOB campaign ‘BOB protects lives’, therefore, calls via social media and at festivals for drivers not to drink and drive. Throughout the summer until the end of August, local police and federal police will organize checks nationwide in the fight against drunk driving.

Never so many ‘drunk’ Belgians behind the wheel

Last year, there were 4 224 injury accidents in Belgium involving a driver under the influence of alcohol, or 12 per day. This is the highest figure since 2016. Moreover, the number of drivers caught drunk driving has remained almost constant for a decade, except for the two corona years.

The Foundation Vinci’s European survey also shows that the acceptance of drunk driving in Belgium is still too high and that Belgians underestimate the consequences. For example, one-fifth (19%) of Belgians admitted to having driven above the legal limit without feeling the effects of alcohol. And 7% added they had already been in an accident (with or without injury) that was due to too much alcohol behind the wheel.

‘BOB protects lives’

With these figures in mind, Vias Institute, Belgian Brewers, and assurance company Assuralia launched the summer BOB awareness campaign ‘BOB protects lives’ on Friday. BOB, first launched in 1995, stands for the person who does not drink when he must drive and has since become an international brand icon.

The campaign spot will be distributed via social media, and a total of 137 Radio2 Parties concerts will be held in 19 Flemish cities.

From 2 June until the end of August, the police will also carry out extra checks at any time of the day and at any location. From 1 June, the rules have also been tightened: driving licenses are now immediately revoked for 15 days if you are caught with 1,2%, instead of 1,5% previously.

Fighting alcohol behind the wheel is a priority

Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) called the fight against alcohol behind the wheel one of the most important points in the Federal Road Safety Plan. “Together with excessive speed, mobile phone use behind the wheel, or drug use, alcohol is one of the biggest killers in traffic in our country.”

“That is why we have now lowered the tolerance threshold for alcohol consumption: your driving license will be temporarily revoked sooner,” he added. In March, the European Commission proposed a total alcohol ban for new drivers.