Local and international alcohol beverage companies gather to promote “zero drink- driving” “I pledge NOT to drink and drive” campaign achieves target of 250,000 pledges ahead of schedule Multiple means of transport include shared vehicles and electric cars all subscribe to the principle of “zero tolerance for drink-driving”

According to statistics from the Road Traffic Safety Portal Site, drink-driving accidents (cases with any drink-driver and breath alcohol level above 0.15mg/L) have decreased from 9,122 cases in 2019 to 7,849 cases in 2022—a significant drop of 1,273 cases (about 14%). The decreasing trend indicates that both the government and people have placed high importance on zero-tolerance for drink-driving. This year, as the Covid pandemic slows down and life gradually returns to normal, we’ve seen an increase of various types of activities and gatherings. This means that the chances of people drinking alcohol on these occasions have also increased quite significantly. Hence, it would be even more important to further promote the concept of "zero tolerance for drink driving". The Taiwan Beverage Alcohol Forum (TBAF), for six consecutive years, has organized an annual campaign “I pledge NOT to drink and drive”. It is considered the biggest event sponsored and supported by the alcohol beverage industry, including 13 local and international alcohol beverage companies. This year, Volkswagen Group Taiwan (VGT), WeMo Scooter (shared scooters), YouBike (shared bikes) will also join this campaign. With the collaborative efforts of the governmental and private sectors, the “I pledge NOT to drink and drive” campaign’s outreach had already exceeded its target of 100,000 people in the fifth year. This year (2023), the number of pledges gathered reached nearly 250,000. There’s been a rapid increase each year, and it’s likely that the target of 500,000 pledges will be reached sooner than expected.

The press conference of “I pledge NOT to drink and drive” campaign is co-hosted by TBAF, Taipei City Government, New Taipei City Government, Taoyuan City Government, various enterprises and NGO groups. These participants gather at the Taipei City Hall to show their strong determination on zero-tolerance for drink driving. After the press conference, representatives from WeMo Scooter and YouBike will lead a parade, joined by participating VIPs, alcohol beverage operators & employees—near 500 people, carrying banners with campaign slogans. The parade begins from the City Hall, then along Song-gao Road, and ends at Xiangti Avenue Plaza (香堤廣場). It aims to raise awareness of this issue and garner public support. After the parade, TBAF and all staff members from participating alcohol beverage companies will launch a two-week “I pledge NOT to drink and drive” challenge competition to solicit more signatories at the TBAF official website. The goal is to have 10,000 people make their pledges on “no drink-driving” within two weeks.

This campaign is organized by TBAF and supported by: Taipei City Government, New Taipei City Government, Taoyuan City Government, 55688 Goup, Chyun Yueh Technology Co. (Taiwan proxy driving), Volkswagen Group Taiwan (VGT), WeMo Corp., Taiwan Alcohol Beverage Association, The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan), British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (BCCT), French Chamber Taiwan (CCIFT), European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT), Car Safety Association, Motor Safety Organization, Taiwan Designated Driver Service Association (TDDSA), and Taiwan Safe Driving Supervision Alliance. There are 13 participating alcohol beverage companies, both local and international, including: Brown-Forman Worldwide, L.L.C. Taiwan Branch, Carlsberg Taiwan Co., CVH Spirits Ltd. Taiwan Branch, Diageo Taiwan Inc., Edrington Taiwan, Taiwan Kirin Co., Magny International Co., Moet Hennessy Taiwan, Pernod Ricard Taiwan, Remy Cointreau Taiwan, Suntory Taiwan Ltd., William Grant & Sons, and Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation (TTL). Together they show their strong commitment to promote “I pledge NOT to drink and drive”.

Commissioner Ming-hong HSIEH (謝銘鴻) of Taipei City Government’s Department of Transportation commends TBAF and alcohol beverage companies for taking up their social responsibilities. He points out that the Taipei Mayor has always attached great importance to traffic policy. The top priority work of the Department of Transportation is to make early planning and formulate preventive measures for the future. For example, the Department works with the Traffic Police Corps to identify potential risks and introduce preventive measures in response to the increased numbers of young people using scooters in July and August (summer break), or to ensure traffic safety of elderly citizens who go for early morning exercises. In addition, the Department works together with scholars and experts to formulate traffic improvement plans, such as narrowing the car lanes to reduce car speed—a shift from previous “car-centric” approach; or expanding the sidewalks to ensure pedestrian safety.

TBAF Chairman Terrence ONG points out that: “We launched the first ‘I Pledge NOT to drink and drive’ campaign in 2017. Our initial target was to get 100,000 pledges in five years. With the collaborative efforts by the alcohol beverage industry, including company staff members, distribution channels, etc. to promote this campaign, we got 200,000 pledges in less than 5 years. We even reached nearly 250,000 pledges in the sixth year. This achievement signifies the commitment by the alcohol beverage companies to assist the government in ensuring and building a safer traffic environment. It also encapsulates the common hope of the general public.” The modes of transport and driving are becoming increasingly diverse. Shared vehicles and two-wheel vehicles are getting more common. In the future, “I pledge NOT to drink and drive” campaign will reach out to more road users. It is also our earnest hope that this campaign will be supported by all citizens and that one million pledges could be realized soon.

Public transportation is becoming more and more diverse. “I pledge NOT to drink and drive” has become a common goal for all citizens. From four-wheel to two-wheel, electric vehicles to shared bikes—be it driver of car, scooter or bicycle, as long as it is on the road, all should abide by the principle of “zero-tolerance for drink-driving”. If one consumes alcohol, one should not drive a vehicle, and/or should use a designated driver.

“Zero-tolerance for drink-driving, irrespective of alcohol content and intake volume” should be the common goal and responsibility for each and every citizen. We hope to co-create a zero-drink-driving traffic environment. Everyone is invited make a pledge and join hands to safeguard our traffic environment.

“I pledge NOT to drink and drive” campaign—to make a pledge, please go to the following website: https://tbaf.org.tw/ipledge/ The Taiwan Beverage Alcohol Forum (TBAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advocacy of responsible drinking and the prevention of inappropriate drinking behaviors. It was established in October 2000 by several European and American alcohol companies and media groups, with a primary focus on promoting a responsible and healthy drinking culture as its long-term goal. For more information, please check the TBAF website: www.tbaf.org.tw.

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