Drunk 25-year-old turns in the Villacher tunnel and is stopped!

Drunk 25-year-old turns in the Villacher tunnel and is stopped!

In the night of Thursday, August 14, 2025, there was a dangerous incident on the A10 Tauern motorway in Villach when a strongly alcoholic 25-year-old Slovak driver drove the tunnel on the wrong road. At 1:25 a.m., she turned due to an incorrectly displayed instruction of her navigation device in the Oswaldibert tunnel, which she led in the opposite direction. Fortunately, ASFINAG was able to react quickly and switched the tunnels to red to warn other road users.

The police immediately received a message from the incident and was able to stop the vehicle at the end of the tunnel without an accident or injuries. An alkotest showed that the woman was considerably under the influence of alcohol. Her driver's license was removed immediately and she was displayed. The shocking events throw a light on the often underestimated danger of false trips.

causes and statistics

According to ASFINAG, alcohol, drugs and inattentiveness are common causes of ghost trips. In 2023, a total of 400 reports about false drivers were registered on Austrian motorways, which means a decline of 10% compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, the problem remains serious: there were 11 accidents with false drivers, including 2 fatalities and other injuries. The fact that drivers often blindly trust their navigation device is particularly alarming.

ASFINAG has already taken measures to improve signage and soil marking, especially in the Villach node. Color instructions were introduced on signs to present the directions of travel more clearly. This problem is taken seriously and regularly checked to increase security on the streets.

behavior tips and prevention

In the case of a ghost driver warning, ASFINAG recommends keeping calm and reducing the speed. In addition, drivers should in line on the right lanes and, if possible, wait at a parking lot or rest area until it is given until all -clear. These measures can help to avoid serious accidents and increase the safety in road traffic.