Saxony-Anhalt starts zero tolerance offensive against drugs at the wheel!

Saxony-Anhalt starts zero tolerance offensive against drugs at the wheel!

Heyrothsberge, Deutschland - In Saxony-Anhalt, the situation regarding alcohol and drugs at the wheel is becoming increasingly critical. Like the Interior Minister Dr. Tamara Zieschang announced, there were 1,339 traffic accidents in connection with alcohol or drugs last year. These accidents demanded almost 700 injuries and 15 tragic fatalities. In view of these alarming figures, the state police Saxony-Anhalt decided to intensify their controls and for the first time participate in the Europe-wide control week "Alcohol & Drugs". This initiative was launched by [Meetingpoint-jl.de] (https://meetingpoint-jl.de/neuke/artikel/198716-jerichower-land-polmi-controlled- on-alcohol-and-drug consumption).

The goal of these reinforced controls is clear: the police pursue a strict zero tolerance policy towards alcohol and drugs in road traffic. In 2023, for example, 2,720 cases of alcoholized driving and 2,416 cases of drugs at the wheel were registered. Criminal councilor Thomas Kriebitzsch has already announced that not only compliance with alcohol and drug regulations is checked in various locations in the district during the controls, but other traffic violations are also punished.

Enlightenment and prevention

In Heyrothsberge, an extensive prevention program is also offered. In addition to the control measures, there is information material and a course on which road users can experience how alcohol and drugs affect driving suitability. Here the citizens should be sensitized to raise awareness of the dangers of consumption.

But the problem is not just limited to the streets. The consumption of alcohol and drugs must also be viewed critically in the world of work. In this context, the DGUV emphasizes that the abuse of addictive agents not only endangers the health of those affected, but can also affect the safety of all road users enormously. The consumption of intoxicants, be it alcohol or drugs, can lead to considerable perception disorders and reduced reaction ability, which is why strict measures, including the possibility of driving license withdraw, exist.

The role of the police and European cooperation

The police commitment is therefore not just a local matter, but part of a larger European project. "Roadpol"-the European Roads Policing Network-coordinates the enforcement of traffic regulations and brings together various traffic police from the EU member states to ensure that the roads become safer across bodies. In this way, the exchange of information and strategies is promoted, which ultimately benefits every road user.

In this context, it is all the more important that we take all responsibility for our actions in road traffic. Whether driving, cycling or walking - the impairment by alcohol or drugs is not just a personal problem, but also affects the safety of everyone. Everyone is called up to rethink their own behavior and contribute to safety on our streets.

With persistent controls and a clear focus on prevention work, the police hope to significantly reduce the number of accidents in connection with addictive substances. Because one thing is certain: "Alcohol and drugs have no place in traffic," as Dr. Zieschang aptly formulated.