SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 26, 2025 – The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the German Road Safety Council (DVR), and the employers' liability insurance associations, accident insurance funds, and their umbrella organization, the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), have launched a nationwide poster campaign against drugs and distractions while driving. The new motifs of the "Runter vom Gas" (Take Your Foot Off the Gas) campaign warn against the dangers of alcohol, cannabis, and smartphones at the wheel on more than 700 posters on highways and rest areas.
Powerful Images and Clear Messages
The campaign relies on powerful images and clear messages to raise awareness among road users about three different causes of accidents. The posters illustrate the potential consequences of alcohol and cannabis consumption as well as smartphone use while driving, and appeal to the personal responsibility of drivers. To reach travelers and professional drivers from abroad as well, the messages are worded in internationally understandable English. For example, one motif shows a car sinking into a beer glass, while another depicts a wrecked car flying through the air next to a joint.
"Drugs and Road Traffic Absolutely Do Not Mix"
Federal Minister Dr. Volker Wissing emphasizes: "Anyone who participates in road traffic under the influence of alcohol and other drugs or distracted by their smartphone endangers not only themselves but also other people. Drugs and road traffic absolutely do not mix. And the smartphone is also poison for concentration at the wheel. With our new poster campaign, we want to warn road users emphatically about these dangers and promote greater responsibility in road traffic. Always drive with a clear head and a clear view!"
Appeal to Responsible Action
The DVR, as co-initiator of the campaign, also points out the urgency of the issue. DVR President Manfred Wirsch explains: "The new motifs of the 'Runter vom Gas' campaign speak a clear language: alcohol, cannabis, and smartphone use in road traffic are life-threatening. In the spirit of Vision Zero, we want to send a strong signal for more safety on our roads. Anyone who drinks or smokes pot does not drive. And anyone who wants to use their cell phone heads for the next parking lot. With the messages on the current highway posters, we appeal to the responsible action of all road users."
Alarming Accident Figures
The numbers speak for themselves: In 2023, there were 15,652 traffic accidents with personal injury under the influence of alcohol in Germany. 198 people lost their lives, 18,686 were injured, 4,262 of them seriously. In addition, there are eight police-registered accidents with personal injury daily due to the influence of other drugs. Distraction while driving by electronic devices such as smartphones is now widespread. Texting while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents.
About "Runter vom Gas"
The road safety campaign "Runter vom Gas" was launched in 2008 by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and the German Road Safety Council (DVR). With clear messages, it raises awareness of the risks in road traffic and the various causes of accidents. The German Social Accident Insurance is a cooperation partner in the poster campaign.
For more information visit.