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Drugs in traffic: 14 drivers stopped on the A15 near Vetschau!
Police stop 14 drug drivers during A15 checks in Vetschau. 1,800 vehicles checked, focus on road safety.
Drugs in traffic: 14 drivers stopped on the A15 near Vetschau!
On Tuesday, the police held a large-scale day of action against drugs in traffic on the A15 motorway between Eichow and Vetschau. Over 1,800 vehicles were checked between 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The results are alarming: 14 drivers were stopped while under the influence of drugs, including cannabis, amphetamines and cocaine. In addition, five other drivers were drunk and four people did not have a valid driver's license. Two wanted vans were also seized. In another case, the police managed to arrest four drivers who were wanted on an arrest warrant, and the demands for money were settled. A truck had to be shut down due to serious defects and a driver simply did not have an ID card, so he was taken to the police station to verify his identity. The controls resulted in traffic being narrowed to one lane in both directions, but this did not hinder the process. The checkpoints were set up at the “Eichower Fließ” and “Dubje” car parks as well as on the country road in Vetschau.
These measures are part of an ongoing police initiative to reduce the risks of drug and alcohol abuse on the roads. According to reports from Niederlausitz Current The influence of alcohol and drugs contributes to over 50% of traffic accidents with injuries. In 2024, the South Police Department registered a total of 17,345 traffic accidents, including 30 deaths. These figures illustrate the need to combat the dangers posed by drugs and alcohol and to increase road safety.
Current situation in Austria
Drug use and driving: a dangerous duo
Drug use and driving are directly related to the dangers of road traffic. The penalties for proven drug consumption in the blood are severe: they can range from fines to five years in prison, depending on the severity of the violation. Even though cannabis is legal under certain conditions, driving under its influence remains strictly prohibited. According to new guidelines, even the smallest amounts are considered a criminal offense. As of August 22, 2024, the limit value for THC in blood serum is 3.5 ng/ml for adults and 1 ng/ml for novice drivers. These strict requirements are intended to ensure that drug driving does not go without consequences. For a detailed overview of penalties and possible consequences, we refer to the ADAC statement below ADAC.
Ongoing checks and actions by the police, combined with effective educational work, are essential to maintaining high road safety and increasing awareness of the dangers of drug use. The numbers speak for themselves, and it remains to be hoped that these initiatives will have an impact and the roads will become safer in both Germany and Austria.