DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE expands school prevention programs

The road safety initiative DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE (DDAD) expanded its prevention work in schools during the first half of 2026. In collaboration with the Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr (BADS), the program reached over 1,500 students aged 16 to 19 to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption while driving.

The initiative utilizes practical educational tools, such as driving simulators for cars and e-scooters, as well as impairment goggles, to demonstrate how alcohol affects perception, reaction times, and judgment. According to survey results, approximately half of the participating students reported both recognizing the campaign's message and consistently applying it in their daily lives.

Despite a slight downward trend, alcohol remains a major cause of serious traffic accidents in Germany. Data from the German Road Safety Council indicated that 34,269 traffic accidents occurred under the influence of alcohol nationwide in 2025. The DDAD initiative, which has been active for over 30 years, continues its efforts to target novice drivers who are subject to a zero-tolerance blood alcohol limit.