On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Zita Wauters, daughter of Koen Wauters and Valerie De Booser, was sentenced by the police court in Bruges for driving under the influence.
The twenty-year-old was caught in Ostend with an alcohol level of 0,8 per mille in her blood, a level that is well above the legal limit of 0,5 per mille. In addition to the alcohol violation, her vehicle also appeared not to have passed the technical inspection, which led to an additional fine.
As an emerging media talent in Flanders, this conviction has left a significant dent in her public image. Wauters' incident is not an isolated incident. In recent months, several well-known Flemish people have committed similar offences, which has led to a heated discussion about road safety and the responsibilities of public figures.
discredited
In late November, actor and presenter Tom Waes was involved in a single-vehicle accident while driving under the influence. Waes, known for his popular programs and endearing personality, publicly expressed his regret. “Incomprehensible. I should never have done that, there is no doubt about that,” he stated after the incident.
Shortly after Waes, VRT journalist Ruben Van Gucht and two other faces of Flemish television also came under fire. Van Gucht had to surrender his driver's license after a positive alcohol test and was suspended for fifteen days. The series of incidents has embarrassed the VRT and raises questions about the exemplary function that famous Flemish people should fulfill.
a persistent problem
The problem of drink driving remains a major concern, both in Flanders and the Netherlands. Figures from the Flemish Road Safety Foundation (VSV) show that 15% of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 admit to sometimes driving within four hours of using drugs or laughing gas. The trend is worrying and emphasises that stricter enforcement and targeted campaigns are needed to improve road safety.
Van Gucht was stopped on the night of Friday 13 to Saturday 14 December along the E17 near Nazareth during the 'Traffic Safety Night' that the police organised at the time.
The Netherlands is facing similar problems. Research by Ipsos shows that the number of drivers who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol during the weekend has almost doubled between 2017 and 2022, from 1,7% to 2,4%. In 2022, 43.000 fines were issued in the Netherlands for driving under the influence, of which 18.000 for the use of drugs such as cannabis.
public call to action
The wave of incidents in Flanders has led to new calls for stricter measures and more social responsibility. Many are calling for a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol in traffic. “People stand by, watch and let it happen. With disastrous consequences for families who lost their loved ones due to a drunkard,” said one of the respondents.
The recent incidents make it painfully clear that drink driving remains a deeply rooted problem, even among well-known figures who should serve as role models. It emphasizes the need for strict legislation, increased control and, above all, social awareness. Only by taking responsibility together can further tragedies on the road be prevented.
