The "Drive Fresh" campaign, which this year is jointly implemented by the Road Traffic Safety Agency fo, the Ministry of Interior - Traffic Police Directorate, Putevi Srbije, the Automotive Association of Serbia, the Tourist Organization of Serbia and the company EKO Serbia, officially began today, June 30, 2026, in Belgrade, with a joint press conference.
Acting director of the Road Traffic Safety Agency, Branko Stamatović, opened a media conference and pointed out that fatigue remains one of the most underestimated risks in traffic. "Fatigue is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol, the first symptoms can be rapid blinking, yawning, the need to exercise the body. When a driver feels the first symptoms of fatigue, it is necessary to stop, to walk for 10-15 minutes in order to wake up or, if he decides, even to take a nap. This is our recommendation, because the only cure for fatigue is rest and sleep", said Stamatović and appealed to drivers to plan their journey well and, if there is a stoppage, on the road or at the border crossing, they don't try to make up for that time. "Traveling, that is, driving to the resort, should be an integral part of the vacation and planned in a way that it is comfortable. Don't drive at night, if you don't do it every day, because it is a shock to the body and additionally leads to fatigue," he emphasized.
The head of the Traffic Police Directorate, Slaviša Lakićević, said that the "Drive Fresh" campaign is an example of how the synergy of the most important institutions can improve the state of traffic safety and be an example to other institutions of how the situation can change for the better. Lakićević said that in the first half of this year, 42 people were killed less in traffic compared to the same period last year, which is the best situation since statistics have been kept. The goal is to continue that positive trend through repressive and promotional activities, such as the "Drive Fresh" campaign. "We appeal to all road users to plan their journeys, use rest stops and take breaks every two hours or 200 km, as well as obey traffic regulations," he said.
Ljerka Ibrović, head of the Department for Public Relations of Putevi Srbije, expressed satisfaction because this is the jubilee tenth year of joint action within the campaign, which shows the desire to improve the traffic situation. "With joint activities, we are working towards an important goal - preventing the loss of life. We continue to educate, raise awareness, especially of young drivers, pointing out that fatigue is one of the main causes of traffic accidents. This year, Putevi Srbije will send the message of the campaign "Drive fresh! Take a break every 2 hours" through the VMS portal, i.e. the portal with changeable traffic signals on motorways, in Serbian and English. On the motorways in the Republic of Serbia, more than 85 parking lots and 66 gas stations are available to drivers. Stop, take a break, freshen up, drink water, take a nap, if necessary, then continue your safe journey," said Ibrović.
Nebojša Mandić, Director of the Commercial Affairs Sector of the Automobile Association of Serbia, pointed out that summer vacations also mean a greater number of vehicles on the roads and that it is important for drivers to go on the road rested, take regular breaks and not overestimate their capabilities.
Financial Director of EKO Serbia Savva Leontios pointed out that the company has been supporting the "Drive Fresh" campaign for ten years, recognizing the importance of prevention and education in improving traffic safety.
The key messages of the campaign are to plan the trip carefully, check the technical condition of the vehicle, start the trip well-rested and sleepy, take a break every two hours or after about 200 kilometers traveled, and not to ignore the first signs of fatigue.
Safety has no alternative, and every responsible decision and behavior behind the wheel can save a life!
You can view the statements on the LINK.
