Shock in Vienna: Motorcyclist dies in accident with 17-year-old driver

Shock in Vienna: Motorcyclist dies in accident with 17-year-old driver

In a tragic traffic accident in Vienna yesterday evening, a fatal incident occurred in which a 60-year-old motorcyclist was killed. The accident occurred around 9:15 p.m. on Johnstrasse when a 17-year-old driver from Afghanistan turned left at the intersection with Felberstrasse and collided with the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist wanted to cross the intersection straight ahead and fell in the collision, which had fatal consequences.

Despite immediate medical help from the Vienna emergency services and subsequent hospitalization, the motorcyclist succumbed to his serious injuries. The driver is now suspected of negligent homicide in traffic, but was initially reported at large. The traffic accident command of the Vienna State Transport Department took over the investigation and carried out official procedures at the scene of the accident in order to clarify the exact course of the accident.

Legal situation in negligent homicide

Negligent homicide is a serious offense and is defined according to Section 222 of the Criminal Code (StGB) as death caused by careless behavior without any intention to cause this result. In practice, this means that numerous traffic accidents that occur due to failure to exercise due care fall under this regulation. A common form of negligent homicide could be ignoring traffic rules or running a red light, which can have serious consequences in traffic.

Penalties for involuntary manslaughter vary and can include fines or imprisonment of up to five years. In addition, additional penalties such as driving bans and points in the driving fitness register can be imposed. For the driver in Vienna, this could mean that if he is convicted, he will have to expect significant legal consequences, including a possible driving license revocation in accordance with Section 69 of the Criminal Code.

Statistical classification

The penalties for negligent homicide in traffic should not be underestimated. In 2020, 648 people were convicted of negligent homicide in Germany, including 48 cases related to drunkenness. This shows how seriously the consequences of such offenses are taken. The statute of limitations for negligent homicide is also five years, which could be important for the 17-year-old driver once the investigation is completed and charges are filed if necessary.

The question of breach of duty of care will also play an important role in the legal dispute. This is assessed both based on objective criteria, such as disregard for traffic rules, and subjectively, through the driver's personal attitude. The principle of trust also plays a crucial role, which states that a driver who acts in a traffic-compliant manner can trust that other road users will also act in a traffic-appropriate manner, unless there are indications of traffic-contrary behavior.

This terrible incident in Vienna is a vivid example of how quickly tragic consequences can arise from carelessness. The ongoing investigation could have far-reaching legal consequences for the young driver that will affect him throughout his life.

For further information on legal issues relating to manslaughter in traffic, see also anwal.de and rueden.de.