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Alcohol-related offenses in traffic are increasing: experts warn that the number is unreported!
The Mecklenburg Lake District in focus: Rising number of accidents due to alcohol and drug consumption in road traffic in 2024.
Alcohol-related offenses in traffic are increasing: experts warn that the number is unreported!
The issue of road safety and the role of alcohol and drugs in road traffic is more relevant than ever. According to a recent report by Northern Courier These substances are common causes of accidents with injuries in Germany. In 2024, alcohol ranked fourth among the most common causes of accidents, just behind excessive speed, failure to follow social distancing rules and failure to yield right of way.
The increasing number of traffic accidents caused by alcohol is particularly alarming. In Neubrandenburg, 518 alcohol violations were registered in 2022, this number rose to 586 in 2023, and to 696 in 2024. It turns out that more and more people are taking risks when they get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or drugs. The blood alcohol limit for drivers in Germany is 0.5 per mille, which can result in a fine of up to 500 euros and points in Flensburg if violated ADAC explained.
The development of traffic statistics
In the context of road safety, Saxony presented a mixed picture. While a total of 97,503 traffic accidents were recorded in 2024, a decrease of 2% compared to the previous year, there was an increase in accidents resulting in personal injury - the numbers were 13,343, an increase of 2.4%. Also worrying is the 4.9% increase in minor injuries, with the death toll reduced to 144, but this continues to cause a high level of sadness and concern.
This year, 1,673 alcohol-influenced accidents were recorded, including 737 involving personal injuries, a decrease of about 5%. Nevertheless, the number of drug-related accidents rose to 377. What is particularly striking is that the number of drivers of small electric vehicles involved in accidents increased by 23.1%, while 61% of the main causes of personal injuries are cars.
Causes and prevention measures
A growing awareness of the dangers of mixing alcohol and drugs is therefore absolutely necessary. Experts warn of a high number of unreported drug crimes and are calling for more intensive controls. The fact is that the number of cases depends heavily on the intensity of police checks, as it is not necessarily possible to draw conclusions about the actual consumption levels.
The highest numbers of drug violations were recorded in the Neubrandenburg region. The numbers there rose from 348 in 2022 to 589 in 2024, putting them at the top in the country. This proves that there is a need for action here.
The alcohol limits in Germany are clearly regulated, but it remains to be seen how the responsible authorities will react to the positive trend of fewer drunken traffic accidents. Stricter rules and ongoing educational work are key elements in making the roads safer.