In an urgent bid to curb the rise of road accidents among young people, particularly those linked to substance abuse, Italy’s Department for Information and Publishing has initiated a national awareness campaign. Recent and reliable data showcases the severity of the issue, pushing all citizens to reflect personally and collectively on the matter.

Each year, over 6,500 traffic accidents are provoked by alcohol and drug abuse. Astonishingly, road accidents are the leading cause of death among youths aged 15 to 24 years old. It has been found that adopting correct driving behavior could avert over 90% of all road accidents. While it’s widely understood that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a significant danger to oneself and others, it’s necessary to question why such incidents continue to occur at an alarming rate. Thus, the campaign robustly highlights the importance of prudent conduct before getting behind the wheel.

The campaign is aimed at serving three primary goals:

• To inform citizens about the extent and some characteristics of the road accident phenomenon;
• To raise awareness among citizens about behaviors to adopt before driving, particularly refraining from alcohol and drug use;
• To engage the youth community on topics of road safety and substance use.

The primary target of this campaign is young individuals aged 15 to 29, both Italian citizens and those from other EU countries, as well as young foreigners residing in Italy. The secondary target includes families and institutions that play an active role in guiding the youth.

In creating this campaign, the Department for Information and Publishing is not only working to save lives, but also fostering a culture of responsibility, awareness, and safety among the country’s youngest drivers. Through these measures, it hopes to see a considerable decrease in the rates of substance-induced traffic accidents and, consequently, contribute to the safeguarding of Italy’s next generation.

Find more from Governo Italiano (Italy, 2023)