Drunk driver crashes into traffic island in Görlitz – 8,000 euros in damage!

Drunk driver crashes into traffic island in Görlitz – 8,000 euros in damage!

A case from Görlitz is causing a stir: On Friday, October 4th, 2025, at around 4:55 p.m., a 54-year-old Polish driver of an Opel, who was heavily under the influence of alcohol, crashed into a traffic island in the Nikolaigraben. The breath alcohol test showed a remarkable 1.88 per mille - a value that not only significantly affects driving behavior, but also has legal consequences. The accident ended lightly for the driver, who only sustained minor injuries, but there was estimated material damage of around 8,000 euros to the traffic island and the anchored signs.

A blood sample was ordered on site and the driver's driver's license was secured. The police in Görlitz have started investigations to clarify further details. According to Blick.de, there are clear rules in Germany for those who cause an accident while under the influence of alcohol.

The legal consequences of an alcohol-related accident

An accident under the influence of alcohol is a serious matter. The Bussgeldkatalog website emphasizes that such incidents are classified as criminal offenses and the penalties are determined individually in court depending on the seriousness of the offense. In the case of our driver, there could be significant consequences: If the blood alcohol level is 1.1 or higher, he could be charged with endangering road traffic or drunk driving in accordance with Section 316 of the Criminal Code. This can mean fines or even prison sentences of up to one year, together with the ordering of a medical-psychological examination (MPU) to get your driving license reinstated.

The statistics show that alcohol-related accidents are a serious problem. Statista reports an alarming number of alcohol-related traffic accidents in Germany, which, according to the Federal Statistical Office, account for up to 20% of traffic accidents. Almost one in every 13 traffic fatalities in 2014 lost their life as a result of such accidents.

Take road safety seriously

This incident is a wake-up call for all road users to take the dangers of driving under the influence seriously. The willingness to take risks increases significantly under the influence of alcohol, which leads to bad decisions and dangerous situations on the road. The following applies to every driver: Responsible use of alcohol is essential to protect lives and not to put yourself or others in danger. Especially in such incidents, the path to insight could also lead via an MPU, which is often ordered after alcohol-related accidents.

Local authorities and the police are doing everything they can to make the roads safer and everyone should do their part.