In the Netherlands, the organization TeamAlert is leading a powerful campaign to reduce traffic deaths among young people. In 2023 alone, 94 young people lost their lives in traffic accidents – the equivalent of three full school classes. TeamAlert’s goal is clear: zero traffic victims among youth. To get there, they engage directly with young people at schools, festivals and through creative campaigns that combine research, humor and real stories to inspire safer behavior.

A key message of the campaign is to think ahead. Whether it’s putting your phone away while driving or arranging a sober ride home after a party or festival, small decisions can make a life-saving difference. One campaign, “Rij drugsvrij” (Drive Drug-Free), focuses on the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs. It offers practical tips, research-based facts, and even a personal story from someone who once drove while high – a harrowing reminder of how close things came to disaster.

TeamAlert doesn’t just tell young people what to do. They involve them in the process through co-creation, research and conversations. Their podcast, De Nacht na het Feest (The Night After the Party), gives space to real experiences, including stories like Laura’s. She shares how a night of partying and drug use almost ended in tragedy, and how those choices ultimately changed her life. The conversation makes it clear: drugs affect driving far longer than most people think. For example, ecstasy can remain detectable for up to 58 hours.

By combining science, lived experience, humor and practical advice, TeamAlert aims to influence behavior in a positive and lasting way. They encourage everyone to plan ahead, talk openly, and never get behind the wheel under the influence. Because the best parties don’t end until everyone is home safe.

Find more from TeamAlert (Netherlands, July 2025)

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