AUVA (General Accident Insurance Institution) and KFV (Austrian Road Safety Board) in Austria have launched a campaign titled “Weihnachtsfeier” to address the risks associated with drinking and driving during the festive season. Many companies celebrate the holidays with gatherings where drinks like punch, wine, champagne, or beer are often enjoyed. While these festivities bring joy and camaraderie, they also increase the risk of accidents if attendees decide to drive after drinking. The accident risk doubles at a blood alcohol level of 0.5, and at 0.8, it is five times higher. This campaign highlights the serious impairment in reaction times and concentration that even moderate alcohol consumption can cause.

Through this campaign, AUVA and KFV are urging people to plan safe ways to get home before attending these events. Recognizing that alcohol can lead to overconfidence, they recommend pre-arranging transportation options like public transport, taxis, or designated drivers. They also warn about the risks of residual alcohol the next day, advising against driving until completely sober. The initiative is a reminder of the responsibility to consider one’s safety and that of others, especially during the festive period.

The campaign includes distributing posters to companies, asking them to display these reminders in highly visible areas within their premises. By reinforcing the message within workplaces, AUVA and KFV aim to create a proactive mindset among employees, encouraging them to prioritize safe travel arrangements before the celebrations. This approach is designed to foster a holiday spirit that values safety alongside enjoyment.

Find more from KFV (Austria, November 2024)