Drunk drivers: 70-year-old causes serious accident!

Drunk drivers: 70-year-old causes serious accident!

A traffic accident that occurred at an intersection has brought the dangers of driving into the spotlight again under the influence of alcohol. A 70-year-old man touched the car of a 73-year-old and injured it indefinitely. The accident occurred when the older driver crashed into the right front of his car against the left side of the oncoming car. There was considerable damage to property in the incident, and the 70-year-old's vehicle had to be towed. An alkotest carried out resulted in a severe alcoholization of the driver, which led to the preliminary acceptance of his driver's license. This reports Klick Carinthia.

The numbers for alcohol accidents are alarming. According to the TÜV association, around 34,700 traffic accidents were registered under alcohol influence in 2024. There were 17,016 personal injury, which represents an increase of 8 percent compared to the previous year. On certain days, such as Ascension Day, particularly high number of accidents were recorded, which illustrates the need for more intensive education and control. The TÜV association therefore calls for increased police traffic monitoring and harder sanctions for alcohol trips. This applies not only to car drivers, but also to cycling and e-scooter users who are often under the influence of alcohol. This information is part of the [press release of the TÜV Association] (https://www.tuev-verband.de/pressemitteilungen/Al alcoholunfaelle-auf-lekordtable-Konse-notwessen).

Alcohol consumption in road traffic

A current study as part of the EU project Baseline shows that alcohol plays a profound role in traffic accidents. In the EU, every fourth fatalities died of alcohol. In a representative survey in Germany, 86.5 % of the car drivers reported that they had not consumed alcohol before driving, while 0.3 % of car rides and 2 % of the trips with motorized two-wheelers took place under alcohol influence. Male drivers, young road users and beginners are particularly often affected. This study was commissioned by the Federal Institute for Streets.

The danger potential that alcohol journeys bring with it is not only shown in the official statistics, but also in the perception of the drivers themselves. Many car drivers considered it "very unlikely" to be checked for alcohol during a typical drive. This false security could lead to a vicious circle from which there is no escape.

Overall, the present incident and the statistics and studies illustrate urgency to take measures against driving under the influence of alcohol. A concerted effort of authorities, associations and society is required to reduce the number of alcohol -related traffic accidents and to sensitize people to this topic.