The number of drivers in Austria who are drunk on alcohol and especially drugs is increasing every year. The police are taking strict action.
Be honest: have you ever gotten in the car after having one or two too many drinks? Almost everyone has at least toyed with the idea.
A Styrian had more than just that thought. Last Saturday he got into the car with 1.5 per mille of alcohol in his blood and crashed into the tractor of a farmer (47) near Stainz. The farmer was thrown from the cabin and suffered serious head injuries. On December 28, a man from Leogang (Salzburg) drove off the road with a blood alcohol content of 2.5 per mille.
The number of alcohol-related accidents is increasing
After all, the 49-year-old had not ‘shot’ any other road user. The accidents that would probably never have happened if those who caused the accident had not drunk alcohol are not isolated cases, as statistics in recent years show. According to Marion Seidenberger, the ÖAMTC is also seeing an increase in alcohol-related accidents.
There are more alcoholic drinkers on the road every year
First of all: Exact figures on alcohol and drug drivers and those under the influence of medication will not be published until February. Nevertheless, a trend shows that – compared to 2023 – the number of accidents due to a lack of safe distance or speeding has decreased. In contrast, there was an increase in inattention/distraction (for example due to mobile phones) and in alcohol and drug accidents. 6.9 percent of fatal crashes were due to alcohol and drugs; in 2023 this was 4.2 percent. Last year there were 349 fewer deaths than at any time since records began. However, the proportion of alcohol and drug addicts has increased.
The number of drug offenders has increased tenfold
The development among drivers under the influence of drugs is striking. In 2013, ‘only’ 732 reports were submitted throughout Austria. The number suddenly increased. In 2018, 3,011 drivers had to pay, and 8,676 in 2023. There are probably a few reasons for this: Fashion drugs are in fashion.
But the training that the Ministry of the Interior offers its police officers to recognize drug addiction, as well as the joint focus campaigns with medical officers around celebrations, festivals and celebrations, also have an impact. In 2024, there were 8,227 reports – a slight decrease compared to 2023, but the number of drug reports has increased tenfold in the past ten years. The number of alcohol checks will probably also increase again.
There was already an increase in breathalyzer tests from 2022 to 2023. There will probably be a large increase again in 2024 due to the zero tolerance line applied by the police.
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.
