Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) supported the #3500LIVES road safety campaign on their stand at the Berlin E-Prix. This FIA global campaign, produced in partnership with number one outdoor advertising company JCDecaux, aims to raise awareness on the 3,500 people who die on the world’s roads every day.  Featuring 14 celebrities from the worlds of art, motor racing, sport and politics, it promotes simple and universal messages to save lives on roads. In German cities and on the ADAC stand, the emphasis was put on the “Don’t text and drive” Golden Rule, embodied by singer, songwriter and record producer Pharrell Williams. 

ADAC wanted to draw attention to the risks of distracted driving, especially with smartphones. “Any accident caused by thoughtless texting at the wheel is one too many. By our commitment to the FIA campaign, we intend, first and foremost, to reach and sensitise young drivers. From extensive studies, we know well how fast a chat can become a life-threatening risk”, says ADAC President Dr August Markl who joined EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc and FIA President Jean Todt in Berlin today to kick off ADAC’s participation in the FIA campaign on the occasion of the FIA Formula E race. 

Jean Todt said: “This campaign is a significant achievement, as it is the first ever worldwide road safety publicity campaign of this scale. Everyone has a role to play in making safer roads for all. Individuals have a personal responsibility to behave safely on the roads. Following simple steps can help reduce fatalities. Our #3500LIVES campaign outlines the FIA’s Golden Rules that can help save your life and the lives of others.”

"We are standing up for road safety as a human right. EU is joining the drive with UN and Jean Todt, UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Road Safety and the FIA President. Road safety is a global priority, every action can make a difference and the campaign #3500LIVES is one of them. Every life counts. We share and act for the Vision 0 goal." said Violeta Bulc, EU Commissioner for Transport.

Andreas Scheuer, German Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure also said: “At 50kph, one second of distraction is like driving with your eyes closed for 14 metres. Your attention can’t afford to take a break in road traffic. One single moment of distraction may have horrible consequences. So, never use your phone while driving.”

In addition to distracted driving, the campaign also focuses on the use of child safety seats, the importance of seat belts and the risks of driving under the influence. 

ADAC has been promoting road safety for decades. For instance, its road safety programme entitled “Watch out car” has a new module aiming to make schoolkids aware of the dangers of distraction in road traffic. In 2017 alone, more than 130,000 children in Germany participated in the programme.