EU prizes for no-drinks revellers

The European Commission is sponsoring young people to keep off alcohol while out partying tomorrow night – with prizes for those who pass a drink test at the end of the evening.

The move is part of efforts to curb road deaths among 18-25 year olds.

For the moment the new “European accident-free night” is only operating in Belgium, Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands, but the Commission hopes all member states will take part in similar schemes eventually.

Brussels is contributing £85,000 (€122,000) to the cost of a series of ideas to highlight the road risks facing young people.

Out of 40,000 car crash fatalities in EU countries every year, 8,500 involve the 18-25 year age group – and 25% of those are killed on the roads on Friday and Saturday nights.

Tomorrow night, volunteers will be trying to cut those statistics, for example by visiting the discos and clubs of Belgium, urging party-goers not to drink. Those who agree will be given a non-removable bracelet to show they are participating and will then face an alcohol test before they go home.

Those testing negative will get a prize, details of which have not been announced in advance.

Those testing positive will be encouraged not to drive, and the volunteers will help ensure they get a safe lift home.

“This pan-European initiative is based on a massive communication campaign aimed at young people in discos and educational establishments designed to make” said EU transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio.

“European statistics clearly prove that those aged between 18 and 25 come off the worst in terms of road accidents. Saturday night fever can be fatal so let’s make sure this Saturday is the first in a long series of exceptions.”