54-year-old ghost driver on A14: luck in misfortune-nobody hurt!

54-year-old ghost driver on A14: luck in misfortune-nobody hurt!

In the late evening hours of June 14, 2025, there was a dangerous incident on the A14 between the Amberg tunnel and the Frastanz exit. A 54-year-old woman drove heavily in the opposite direction and thus represented a serious danger to other road users. The incident occurred around 11:08 p.m. when the Bludenz motor police discovered the ghost driver who was traveling towards Germany, contrary to the direction of travel.

The police acted quickly and stopped the vehicle in the fast lane. The driver was brought by the danger site. An alcovort test confirmed the suspicion of considerable alcoholization. The woman's car was then towed by the ÖAMTC. As reported [5min.at] (https://www.5min.at/5202506150831/ Geisterfahrer-auer-a14-alkolenker-54-bringe-verkehr-Verkehr-In-Trevil, the 54-year-old will have to be responsible for the risk of physical security due to several administrative overturning. Fortunately, no one came to damage in the incident.

The danger from ghost driver

ghost drivers are a serious problem in road traffic, as is a current study on accident research by insurers. This study is based on comprehensive data collected from damage files, police and media reports. According to SPIEGEL, around 50 % of the cases lead to ghost trips, typically at accident sites or accident sites or Rest areas. In almost 40 % of cases, however, it is conscious maneuvers, like turning in flowing traffic.

It is particularly alarming that almost half of the 220 examined cases affect ghost drivers who are over 75 years old. In these older drivers, confusion and dementia often play a crucial role. Younger ghost drivers, on the other hand, are often under the influence of alcohol or even have suicide intentions. Der Einfluss von Alkohol darf dabei nicht unterschätzt werden, da er in einem Fünftel der Fälle, meist bei jüngeren Fahrern, als Ursache auffällt, wie Süddeutsche berichtet.

prevention measures and technical solutions

The prevention of ghost trips remains a challenge. The study recommends improved technical solutions in vehicles in order to identify incorrect journeys at an early stage and, if necessary, stop the vehicle. Automated driving functions could help in the future to deter ghost drivers. The necessary systems could potentially be integrated into cars to warn the driver and the surrounding area.

Accident research has also pointed out that current protective measures, such as better traffic routing and warning signs, are often not sufficient. Innovative solutions, such as warning systems through apps or automated driving functions, could increase safety in road traffic.

The knowledge from these studies clearly show that the dangers of ghost drivers have to be taken seriously, and it is urgently necessary to improve both preventive measures and to integrate technical solutions into the vehicle industry.