ADAC launches August campaign to curb smartphone use while driving in Rheinland‑Pfalz

The ADAC Mittelrhein is running an action month throughout August 2026 in the German state of Rheinland‑Pfalz under the slogan “Lenken statt Liken – Fahr sicher ohne Handy”. The initiative uses road‑side posters and a targeted social‑media drive during peak commuting times to remind motorists to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes off their phones.

Police data from the state’s statistical office show 55 accidents with injuries in the previous year where electronic device use was a factor, resulting in 11 serious injuries, 56 minor injuries, 37 cases of severe property damage and, since 2021, twelve fatalities. Studies cited by the UDV (Unfallforschung der Versicherer) indicate that handling a phone while driving almost triples the risk of a crash, while reading or writing messages raises the risk six‑fold. Kirstin Zeidler, head of accident research at the UDV, warned that “accidents caused by distraction are statistically rare, but the evidence is hard to obtain and the dark figure is high.” The campaign aims to move beyond appeals and reduce the hidden toll of distracted driving.