Sober self-test – city priest dares to look through the glasses of drunkenness

Being drunk without having drunk: The drunk glasses simulate what it is like to have no less than 1.3 per mille of alcohol. During road traffic prevention projects at schools, officials use the special device to clearly show teenagers in class the often underestimated dangers behind the wheel. The priest of Jennersdorf, Franz Brei, discovered how alcohol affects reaction time.

With test device on the handlebar
The priest, who is particularly concerned about the well-being of young people, put it to the test with sound glasses that the “Krone” bought for 86 euros. With the testing device on his face, obscuring his vision, the man of God got behind the wheel and looked out the windshield as if he were drunk.

No drunk driving
The preacher was completely bewildered: “I couldn’t hold the steering wheel accurately with my hands, nor could I shift gears quickly.” The walking test findings were equally frightening and sobering. “It takes several guardian angels to prevent you from stumbling and falling on the ground,” the city priest noted in surprise. This experience reinforced his message: “We want young people to go out and enjoy themselves, but not succumb to drunkenness and its negative consequences. “So please don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking!”

A dangerous mix
An important message, because driving under the influence can have bad consequences. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the main causes of accidents. The police consistently take action against this. “Driving and alcohol – this dangerous mix is ​​an absolute no-go,” is the clear message of the Burgenland transport initiative during Advent: “This message must get across!” government, ARBÖ and wine tourism.

98 injuries and one death in just one year
In the past, driving under the influence was often seen as a trivial offense. Nowadays it is frowned upon to drive with a high alcohol content. However, even regular police checks cannot completely eliminate the problem. According to Statistics Austria, in 2023, 7.5 percent of all traffic accidents with personal injuries occurred under the influence of alcohol. There were 98 injuries and one death. In a federal state comparison, Burgenland comes in a sad second place with 9.4 percent – even though the number of alcohol-related accidents has decreased in 2023 compared to 2022.

“Enjoy, but without driving under the influence!”
“Since December 1, there has been an extensive range of public transport throughout the state. This offer can be put to good use, regardless of taxis or rideshares, to spend Christmas parties in a good mood and without stress,” notes State Councilor Heinrich Dorner. Herbert Oschep, chairman of wine tourism in Burgenland, can only agree with this announcement: “Wine is promoted as a cultural asset and is important for the economy. Enjoyment comes first, but without driving drunk!” Driving technique expert Daniel Lindinger, instructor at the ARBÖ centers: “Especially in winter, it is essential to keep a cool head while driving.”

Measures have an effect
The figures speak for themselves: in 2023, 855 alcohol and 150 drug drivers were arrested by the police in Burgenland. Colonel Andreas Stipsitis, head of the state transport department: “Raising awareness should encourage people to reconsider things. Because the measures have an effect. In the run-up to Christmas in 2023, there was a 40 percent drop in alcoholic drivers compared to 2022.”