The prevention campaign “Check, wer fährt!” has been a cornerstone of road safety efforts in Frankfurt for 25 years. Created by the Drogenreferat of the City of Frankfurt and the Fachstelle Prävention of the Verein Arbeits- und Erziehungshilfe, the campaign directly targets young people in their own environments, aiming to reduce the risks associated with alcohol, cannabis, and polydrug use behind the wheel. The message is simple and consistent: if you drink or use drugs, you don’t drive. This includes not only cars but also e-scooters, which are increasingly popular among young people and bring their own set of risks.

A key element of the campaign is the annual series of action days held at local schools. In 2025, six schools took part, involving 645 students in interactive learning experiences. Highlights included the “Rauschbrillenparcours,” where students used goggles to simulate impaired coordination, and a skill game testing their reaction times. There was also a themed quiz and a competition to encourage further reflection. Rather than focusing on fear or punishment, the campaign relies on participation, peer influence, and real-life experiences to get its point across.

This year, the 25th anniversary was also marked by a strong presence at the summer festival of the Goethe University in Frankfurt. The “Check, wer fährt!” mobile team brought their interactive exhibits to the campus, inviting students from Frankfurt, Darmstadt, and Mainz to test their fitness to drive after “wet and wild” celebrations. Non-alcoholic cocktails were on offer, and students could take part in discussions about personal and peer substance use. The relaxed festival setting made it easier to reach the target group and sparked meaningful conversations about making safer choices.

Since 2000, “Check, wer fährt!” has carried out more than 300 events and reached an estimated 500,000 young drivers. The campaign’s longevity and continued innovation show how public health initiatives can remain relevant by adapting to changing trends in substance use and mobility. By focusing on practical alternatives and responsible decision-making, the campaign helps prevent accidents and legal trouble, making parties and journeys home safer for everyone involved.

Find more from checkwerfaehrt.de (Germany, 2025)

The brochure “Check who’s driving!”: