Many preventive policies have been initiated, but one of the most significant, despite its playful name “Vigicarotte,” is a genuine educational effort to combat the scourge of drunk driving, which is currently responsible for 25% of road traffic victims among 16- to 25-year-olds.
This initiative, implemented in partnership with the national Road Safety authority, is aligned with the campaign “SAM: the one who drives is the one who doesn’t drink.”
For ten years, the “Vigicarotte Plan” has been moving from department to department, following a route aimed at covering the entire French territory. Thus, each month, nightclubs take part in this operation, which aims to raise awareness among young people aged 18 to 25 about the risks of drunk driving.
The results of this initiative are significant and reinforce its legitimacy: nine out of ten people respect their commitment, with more than 75,000 participants allowing 230,000 people to be safely taken home from partner establishments. Additionally, 74% of respondents believe that the Vigicarotte Plan has had an impact on their behavior.
Supported by a study conducted by the ONISR in 2006 highlighting that most road accidents occur on weekends, particularly at night, the “Vigicarotte Plan” does not wish to stop progressing and continually seeks the most effective means to improve the impact of our actions on young drivers’ behavior.
A reminder of the principle of the “Vigicarotte Plan”: upon arriving at the partner nightclub, the volunteer driver deposits their driver’s license at our stand and commits not to drink alcohol. They then enjoy the night with their friends and are only administered a breathalyzer test when they wish to leave. If this test is negative, they are rewarded with a “carrot” filled with gifts, valued at €150.
Conversely, if the breathalyzer test is positive, there is no gift but also no punishment. We work with the establishment’s manager to find the simplest solution for the person to return home safely. Participation in the “Vigicarotte Plan” also allows each participant to enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic drinks.
