The following Mühlviertel politician, whose alcohol accident has since become known: Heinrich Haider (SPÖ) had an accident in his hometown of St. Georgen am Walde in Upper Austria with a blood alcohol level of 1.78 – his driver’s license is at eight months! It was only Monday that it became known that the ÖVP Mayor of Katsdorf and Regional Director of the Economic Association, Wolfgang Greil, with 1.82 per thousand alcohol in the blood, was on his way home after a wine festival in his hometown with the e-scooter.
It was an (exciting) victory party in the ski hut of the Schorschilift in the municipality of St. Georgen am Walde. The successes of the local skiers in the Strudengau Cup were celebrated late into the night. SPÖ mayor Heinrich Haider also celebrated on 12 February. Around 11 p.m. he decided to drive home – in his own car. Friends offered the 52-year-old to take him home, but he politely declined. “A big mistake,” Haider now says in the “Krone” interview.
Car was a total loss
As is now known, he got behind the wheel of his car with a blood alcohol level of 1.78 (“I haven’t eaten anything all day”) and drove in the direction of the city center. After driving a few hundred meters, he apparently tried to dodge an oncoming car that had overtaken a truck train. “The driving conditions were wintery, I came to the curb and slipped on the Gstättn near the sports field,” says Haider.
The sports field fence, a light and a panel were damaged, his car remained on the side of the dike. The driver of the other car called 911. “Traffic accident with entrapped person” was the first alarm of the fire brigade. Fortunately, Haider was not injured, but his car was a total loss.
Mayor apologizes for mistake
The police officers realized that the local chief was not sober – the alcohol test was positive. The consequences: In addition to a fine of 1760 euros, the driver’s license was withdrawn for a period of eight months. “I’ll get it back in October,” confirms the local manager, who also works as an IT technician at Voest. A traffic psychology report, follow-up training, an appointment with a psychiatrist and the delivery of hair samples are other side effects that he must endure.
He was considered a first offender
The fact that he was considered a first-time offender softened his mind. “I have had my driver’s license since 1991 – nothing ever happened. But I deeply regret my mistake and apologize,” Haider emphasized. There is a warning from SPÖ state manager Florian Koppler, who was only informed about this on Wednesday. and had an enlightening conversation with Haider: “Politicians from all parties must lead by example. This includes not using the car if alcohol has been consumed.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
