The Viennese police officer who allegedly ignored a red light during an emergency drive this spring, causing an accident, has been asked to pay. The State Police Directorate only stated that in this regard “a three-digit disciplinary penalty” had been imposed on a member of the executive branch in 2024. This is probably the official in question.
The case caused a lot of discussion within the police because it involved a payment of up to 1,000 euros. This year, the National Police Directorate set this maximum limit for accidents during emergency journeys.
New basis for emergency journeys according to the OGH ruling
In July, the “Kurier” reported on a ruling by the Supreme Court (OGH) in connection with the accident involving a blue light vehicle. According to last year’s ruling, you are not allowed to enter an intersection at all if you cannot see the entire traffic situation from the stop line.
“The fact that recourse claims are being made in the event of accidents is not new, but that higher penalties are now being imposed if the fault cannot be attributed to colleagues,” emphasizes Werner Herbert, a liberal police unionist at the AUF. “Emergency trips are reduced to absurdity.”
Human resources representative requests training
The chairman of the specialized committee of the Vienna Employee Representation, Gerhard Zauner, explained that each case is examined individually. “We have reached an agreement on this with the Vienna State Police Directorate,” said Zauner of the Christian Trade Union Group (FCG) in Vienna. Walter Strallhofer of the Social Democratic Trade Union Group (FSG) follows the same line. “The reason for the operation and whether there is actually gross negligence must certainly be taken into account when determining the penalty,” says Strallhofer. He also calls for training to further raise awareness on this issue.
Officials are said to have already paid the fine
According to the police, around 700 traffic accidents (material damage and bodily injury) involving commercial vehicles took place in 2024. “The stated number applies to all service vehicles of the Vienna Police, civilian vehicles but also patrol cars,” said a spokeswoman. It was also said that no distinction is made here as to whether these are mission trips or other business trips. “An actual question of fault will be determined in the respective judicial or civil proceedings for the settlement of claims.”
If a traffic accident occurs during duty, every officer has the right to appeal the decision of the duty authority. In this case that probably didn’t happen; the officer involved would have already paid the fine.
Lawyer ÖAMTC criticizes the legal situation
In this context, traffic lawyer Matthias Nagler from the ÖAMTC spoke in favor of changing the traffic rules “so that you can always drive at a walking pace at intersections at red lights and, if necessary, stop if the traffic situation requires it. .” The legislator could also introduce a (not yet existing) obligation to operate the tracking horn.
“This would be much more useful for road safety than existing regulations, because other road users will respond better the sooner they can detect the emergency vehicle, for example via acoustic warning signs,” said Nagler. “Emergency services must be able to help people quickly in emergency situations and not have one foot in crime every time they go out because of impractical legislation and case law,” he criticized.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
