Sometimes a night out with friends presents difficult choices, but there is an easy solution when it comes to getting home safely: never drive under the influence. Liikenneturva’s new campaign in Finland, “Vaikea tilanne, helppo ratkaisu” (Difficult situation, easy solution), targets young drivers with a clear message: no amount of alcohol or drugs belongs behind the wheel. The campaign uses videos to spark conversation about how to make the smart call, whether that means taking a bus, a taxi, or making sure there is a sober driver in the group.

Young adults, especially young men, face a much higher risk of dying in drink-driving accidents compared to young women. Alcohol, drugs, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt are the top causes of serious traffic problems among young people. Every fourth person killed in a drink-driving crash is a young adult, and the risk goes up when passengers are involved or peer pressure is at play. The campaign encourages groups of friends to plan a safe ride home before heading out for the evening.

A central message is that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving. Many believe they are still fit to drive after just one drink or if they are under the legal limit, but in reality, any alcohol in the bloodstream can slow reactions and reduce the ability to drive safely. The only way to be sure you are safe behind the wheel is to have zero alcohol or other drugs in your system. It is also important to remember that alcohol can affect your driving even the next morning, especially if you have slept poorly or are hungover.

By shifting attitudes and encouraging sober choices, the campaign hopes to make drink-driving even less acceptable among young people and reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents. The advice is simple but powerful: discuss your ride home while planning the night out, and agree on a safe option – whether that is walking, taking a taxi, or having a designated sober driver. When it comes to traffic safety, the easy solution is always the right one.

Find more from Liikenneturva (Finland, June 2025)