December : Driving under the influence – a road safety priority

 European Road Safety Charter Team 

December 2025

This newsletter is now issued in English. To read it in your preferred language, please click here and use your browser’s translation feature.    As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time for celebration —but also a reminder to make safe choices on the road. Driving under the influence (DUI) remains one of the most significant risks to road safety across Europe, and even a single lapse can have serious consequences for you and those around you. In this newsletter, we focus on raising awareness about the dangers of DUI and supporting you with practical resources to promote safer behaviours. Below, you’ll find a selection of materials, including an in-depth article that provides an overview of the key challenges and opportunities in addressing impaired driving, a recording of our recent webinar, and brand-new infographics illustrating the impact of driving under the influence. These resources are designed to inform, inspire, and support your work as part of our thriving European road safety community. We encourage you to explore, share, and use these materials to help keep your communities safe—because safer roads are a responsibility we all share, especially during the festive season. You’ll also find a selection of general news items and updates further down in this newsletter. European Road Safety Charter team

In focus – Driving under the influence

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE – A ROAD SAFETY PRIORITY Discover key insights on alcohol and drug-impaired driving, its risks, trends, and strategies to prevent crashes and improve road safety. Read more WEBINAR RECORDING: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE – A ROAD SAFETY PRIORITY Watch experts reveal the latest insights, campaigns, and solutions to prevent alcohol and drug-impaired driving in this essential road safety webinar. Watch now

NEW INFOGRAPHICS ON DUI: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT Check out new infographics presenting data and insights on alcohol and drug-impaired driving, highlighting trends, risks, and road safety implications. Download now GOOD PRACTICE OF THE MONTH: AWARDED TO NOVA GORICA (SLOVENIA) FOR ESTABLISHING THE PROJECT ‘MATINEE - DRUG & ALCOHOL-FREE PARTY’ Experience how Nova Gorica’s innovative ‘Matinee’ event inspires youth to enjoy nightlife safely, alcohol- and drug-free, while promoting road safety awareness. Read more

In the news

MODERNISED EU RULES ON DRIVING LICENCES AND DRIVING DISQUALIFICATIONS ENTER INTO FORCE EU driving licence rules modernised: digital licences and improved road safety through accompanied driving, probationary periods, and mutual recognition. Read more ROAD SAFETY STATISTICS FOR 2024: PROGRESS CONTINUES AMID PERSISTENT CHALLENGES EU road fatalities dropped slightly in 2024, with 19,940 deaths; but progress continues toward Vision Zero, highlighting successes and remaining challenges. Read more

Updates

SEASON'S GREETINGS AND SAFE TRAVELS Happy holidays from the Charter team! As we celebrate the season, we hope you stay safe on the roads and look out for one another.   Thank you for your continued commitment to road safety. We look forward to working together for even safer roads in 2026.. Not yet a member? Join today