26 July 2023, Madrid, Spain – UNITAR launched the Autosobriety Training Programme to Prevent Drink-Driving in Spain jointly with CIFAL Madrid, the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) and with the support of Pernod Ricard. 

The Autosobriety Training Programme aims to contribute to preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries related to drivers using alcohol by 2030 (see Global Road Safety Performance Targets #9). This programme also serves as an example of the use of a collaborative approach to address road safety issues by leveraging efforts from the public and private sectors.

According to the National Traffic Authority in Spain (DGT in Spanish), in 2022 the total number of victims due to road traffic crashes was 119, 354, of which 1,746 were deaths. Further, the DGT also estimates that 1 out of 3 mortal road traffic crashes involved alcohol consumption. To reduce risky behaviours and save lives, the DGT launched a national campaign this summer that aimed at raising awareness about the issues of drinking under the influence. 

Aligned with this national campaign and to tackle the issue of drinking and driving in Spain, the implementation of the Autosobriety Training Programme has been designed in two phases. The first phase consists of the dissemination of different educational tools through RACE’s 200,000+ members. The educational tools are in different formats applied to knowledge, such as an online course, a 360-degree video to experience the effects of alcohol in driving performance through virtual reality, and a microlearning course available through EdApp for mobile phones. The second phase will consist of specific training activities delivered to key stakeholders, including government officials and police officers, working on reducing drinking and driving in Spain. 

By working together, all partners will be able to leverage their expertise and resources to conduct effective training workshops and public awareness activities.

Mr. Ignacio Fernandez, Director of CIFAL Madrid-RACE, highlighted that “the Autosobriety Programme is aligned with CIFAL Madrid’s objectives on road safety, particularly to raise awareness on the importance of safe driving behaviour, and to include road users in training and education to ultimately contribute to a 50% reduction of road traffic victims by 2030”.

Mr. Antonio Lillo, Director, Pernod Ricard Spain, highlighted that “reducing the harmful consumption of alcohol is one of our top priorities, particularly the issue of drunk driving. The rate of driving under the influence of alcohol in Spain could be reduced to zero by raising awareness and education on the issue”.

Ms. Ruth Chocarro, Director of Public Relations, Pernod Ricard – Winemakers Spain, expressed that “drinking and driving is no longer acceptable. To contribute to the effort of reducing this issue, public-private collaboration is crucial. Through the implementation of Autosobriety in Spain, we aim to empower drivers to make the right decisions and generate real change in the society”.

Ms. Estrella Merlos, Head, of UNITAR’s Road Safety Global Training Initiative, mentioned that “the implementation of Autosobriety in Spain will make an important contribution by equipping individuals with crucial knowledge and skills to understand and prevent the risks of drink-driving”.