Substances plus Traffic is a Really Bad Idea

Young People, Substances and Traffic: A Really Bad Combination – and Why You Need to Read This

The Netherlands is known for its safe roads, excellent bike paths, and a transport system that usually runs smoothly. But one thing never changes: driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs is always dangerous.

As a young person, many things feel harmless. You feel strong, free, confident. But once you combine substances and traffic, you’re playing a deadly game – not just with your own future, but with the futures of others as well.

“I still feel fine” – the biggest trap

Many young people say:

• “I can still drive.”
• “Weed doesn’t affect me much.”
• “I only had a few drinks.”

But that’s the exact problem: you don’t realize how badly your reactions are affected. Alcohol clouds your judgment. Cannabis slows your responses. Cocaine makes you overconfident. Pills make you drowsy. It’s not about how you feel – it’s about how your brain and body actually function.

It’s not just about you

When you drive under the influence, you drag other people into your risk:

• cyclists (who appear everywhere, at any time)

• e-bikers and scooters moving fast out of nowhere

• pedestrians, especially in the dark

• children going to school or sports

• drivers who have no idea what you’re about to do

Dutch traffic is busy and full of vulnerable road users. Your choice can change someone else’s life in seconds.

The consequences don’t stop at an accident

Driving under the influence in the Netherlands has serious consequences – even long before something goes wrong.

1. High fines

Even a small violation of the legal limit can cost hundreds or thousands of euros. Drugs in your blood? Even more expensive.

2. Losing your driver’s license

For young or inexperienced drivers, enforcement is even stricter. The police often take your license on the spot. After that, you must retake exams and attend mandatory (and costly) courses.

3. A criminal record

A conviction for driving under the influence may appear on your criminal record and can affect:

• internships
• jobs
• education
• travel opportunities
• long-term plans

4. Years of compensation payments

If you injure someone, you can be held personally liable. Some people spend years paying for one bad decision on one night.

5. Lifelong guilt

Even without a fatal outcome, the emotional burden is huge. If you cause someone long-term injury, you carry that weight for life.

There are always alternatives

In the Netherlands, you have countless safe options:

• take the train, metro, tram, or bus

• order an Uber or taxi

• stay overnight where you are

• let a sober friend drive

• pick up your bike or car the next day

• walk home if it’s possible

There is no excuse for driving under the influence. Not a single one.

Be the friend who dares to say: “I’m not driving.”

There’s always someone who makes the right choice.

Be that person.

It’s not weakness – it’s maturity and respect.

And if a friend tries to drive while not sober?

Stop them. Talk to them. Take the keys.

You might literally save a life.

Your whole life is still ahead of you

One bad decision after a party, a joint, or a night out can destroy everything: your license, your future, your finances – or someone else’s life.

For what? A ride home?

Remember this:

• You always drive worse than you think.

• You’re not only endangering yourself.

• The consequences are huge: fines, criminal record, loss of your license.

• There is always a safer alternative.

Never drive under the influence.

For yourself – and for everyone else on the road.