At a time when canisters are multiplying on motorway rest areas, the Foundation and the Protoside association are joining forces to warn about this misleading gas, the effects of which can be irreversible.
“Nothing hilarious”: when the prototype gets behind the wheel
More and more road accidents are now linked to the consumption of nitrous oxide, this “laughing gas” diverted from its medical use. According to the Ipsos survey commissioned by the VINCI Autoroutes Foundation, “1 in 10 young people under 35 have already consumed nitrous oxide during an evening with friends. And “among them, 1 in 2 took it while driving“.
The risk does not only concern those who hold the wheel. “7% of those under 35 have already been passengers in a car whose driver had taken nitrous oxide“, reveals the investigation. These figures reflect a striking lack of awareness of the danger: “10% of young people aged 16 to 24 consider that taking nitrous oxide while driving is not dangerous“, And “11% think that being a passenger of a drinking driver is not risky“.
This discrepancy is worrying:Faced with the growing volume of nitrous oxide canisters found at the side of roads or on motorway rest areas, it is urgent to alert the general public, and young people in particular, of the dangers of inhaling this gas which is not at all hilarious.“, underlines Bernadette Moreau, general delegate of the VINCI Autoroutes Foundation.
A shocking campaign to break deceptive laughter
To raise awareness, the VINCI Autoroutes Foundation launched an awareness campaign on October 24, 2025 entitled “Nitrous oxide: nothing funny”. A 50-second clip shows three faces, 30 seconds of uncontrollable laughter… But as the camera moves away, a completely different scene is revealed: that of the very real consequences of consuming nitrous oxide.
Broadcast on social networks and on areas of the VINCI network, the campaign intends to “invite everyone to become aware of the deleterious effects of this so-called laughing gas, with sometimes irreversible consequences”.
At the same time, ambassadors from the Foundation and the Protoside association are present at eight motorway service areas to inform travelers and families. Guillaume Grzych, president of the Protoside network and lecturer at Lille University Hospital, recalls that “the results of this survey confirm what we observe on the ground. This public health problem is largely underestimated by current reporting systems via emergency services. We need to prevent better, detect earlier and deploy concrete actions“.
Understand the risks and act in time
Inhaled for a one-minute euphoric effect, nitrous oxide nevertheless disrupts coordination and alertness for several tens of minutes. According to the VINCI Autoroutes Foundation, these alterations “expose you to a total loss of control of the vehicle” which could cause serious accidents.
But the danger does not stop at the road: the proto can lead to dependence. And for regular users, the risks are major: serious neurological disorders: paresthesias, loss of balance, motor difficulties, which can lead to paraplegia, as well as vascular (stroke, pulmonary embolism), psychiatric or cognitive complications.
What to do in case of nitrous oxide poisoning?
- Nitrous oxide carries many health risks. If, after consumption, you experience numbness in the limbs, a burning sensation or electric shock, tingling, loss of sensitivity, or difficulty walking or moving, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or contact the poison control center on 01 45 42 59 59.
- If you or a loved one feel unwell, have breathing difficulties or have a loss of consciousness, immediately call an emergency service (112 for medical emergencies, 15 for Samu, 17 for firefighters).
- If you are pregnant or planning to be, avoid consuming proto as it may put your unborn child at risk.
What to do in case of addiction?
- The “proto” can be addictive. If you or a loved one have difficulty controlling or stopping your consumption, it is advisable to consult a doctor or turn to a structure specializing in the treatment of addictions (CSAPA) or an evaluation and information center on drug dependence.
- Young Consumer Consultations (CJC) offer those under 25 and those around them a free and confidential reception, listening, advice and, if necessary, guidance service.
- In addition, Drugs info service is the national remote help service on drugs and addictions from Public Health France. It provides information, advice, support and guidance to the public (www.drogues-info-service.fr or 0 800 23 13 13, available 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., anonymous and free call).