Drug intoxication on lawn tractor: man caught driving!

Drug intoxication on lawn tractor: man caught driving!

In a somewhat strange episode in German road safety, two men recently came into the police's focus for allegedly trying to get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs - or, in one case, a lawnmower. This is what happened in Gröbzig in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district and in Münchweiler an der Rodalb in Rhineland-Palatinate. In both cases the drivers were stopped by the police - the consequences are not without consequences.

On Friday evening, an attentive resident in Gröbzig noticed a man on a lawn tractor performing strange maneuvers through the streets. The inconsistencies in his behavior quickly suggested the possible influence of alcohol or drugs. The police were also informed. During a check at the driver's home address, the police found a lawn tractor that was warm. The driver, already known to the police, stated that he had consumed cannabis. A voluntary drug and alcohol test followed: while the latter was negative, the drug test showed positive evidence of cannabis. Police then opened a case on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and a blood test was ordered, reported Day24.

Lawn mower or vehicle?

But an unusual vehicle caused a stir not only in Gröbzig. In Münchweiler an der Rodalb, the police also stopped a 26-year-old man who was driving a ride-on lawn mower that had been converted to a car on a public street. The vehicle was equipped with a roof, a windshield protector (including a windshield wiper) and a radio. The driver, who was high on drugs, also did not have a driver's license. The police took a blood sample - the result is still pending. It also remains unclear whether the lawnmower can even receive approval for these modifications 24auto reported.

Safety risks in road traffic

The incidents shed light on the dangers of drugs on the roads. The fact is: Driving under drugs is not only illegal, but also endangers the safety of all road users. Loud ADAC If you test positive for a drug, you can face significant penalties, ranging from fines to several years in prison. What is particularly worrying is that even the smallest amounts in the blood are punishable by law. From August 22, 2024, there will be a THC limit of 3.5 ng/ml for adults and an absolute ban of 1 ng/ml for novice drivers.

In both cases, those involved not only have to contend with the law, but also have to reckon with the financial consequences. The total costs for a drug trip, including legal fees and procedural costs, can quickly add up to around 5,000 to 7,000 euros. There are also civil law consequences, such as joint liability in the event of accidents and possible recourse claims from motor vehicle liability insurance.

Police will continue to monitor such incidents closely and take road safety measures. It remains to be hoped that the two gentlemen from Gröbzig and Münchweiler will learn from these experiences and take road safety seriously.