Schleiz: 19-year-olds ended up in the ditch after an accident-only slightly injured!

Schleiz: 19-year-olds ended up in the ditch after an accident-only slightly injured!

The streets around Schleiz are once again the scene of two concerned traffic accidents that illuminate the dangers of road traffic and the problem of alcohol at the wheel. On July 18, 2025, a 19-year-old driver drove on the country road from Oettersdorf in the direction of Schleiz when her vehicle came off the road and landed in the ditch. Fortunately, the young woman only suffered minor injuries; However, your car had to be recovered by a towing service. The State Police Inspection Saalfeld documented this incident on the same day at 9:43 a.m., which underlines the constant vigilance of the police. It is important for drivers to know that accidents can happen quickly, even if you think you are safely on the go. News.de reports that such incidents are not uncommon.

A particularly serious incident occurred on February 2, 2025 on the A9 towards Berlin. There had been a 46-year-old Polish driver with an unlit Volvo across the road, which led to a collision with a subsequent vehicle. The 50-year-old driver of the second Volvos tried to avoid, but could not prevent the collision. A total of three people were slightly injured in the accident and had to be taken to an surrounding hospital. The result of the breath alcohol test of the person who caused the accident was particularly alarming, which resulted in a value of 3.18 per thousand. He was not only alcoholic and without a valid driving license at the wheel, but also represented a significant danger for all road users. Region also reports that this incident led to an estimated property damage of around 50,000 euros and the car for more than one Hour had to be blocked.

Alcohol in road traffic is a serious topic that affects many - be it directly as a driver or as a pedestrian or cyclist. Many people underestimate the effects of alcohol on reactionability. Even with a blood alcohol value of 0.3 per thousand, the risk of being involved in an accident increases significantly. The portal dvr.de draws attention to the fact that the risk of accidents is statistically increased ten times at 1.1 per thousand.

The statistics speak volumes: In 2021, 12 deaths and 313 seriously injured per 1,000 accidents were due to alcohol accidents. Unfortunately, the dangers of alcohol at the wheel are often seen as a cavalier offense - a dangerous misjudgment. Young drivers and novice drivers in particular are often overwhelmed with the risks that drives alcoholic driving.

It has been shown that in Germany there is a zero-promille law for novice drivers in the trial period and for less than 21 year olds. If someone violates this ban, this can not only be punished with a fine of 250 euros, but also with points in the driving suitability register. In many European countries, awareness of the dangers is already very pronounced: around 90 percent of those surveyed are aware of the increased risk of accidents after alcohol consumption. However, 31 percent state that they have driven under the influence of alcohol at least once last year. The numbers clearly show that more information and preventive measures are needed to increase safety in road traffic.

The topics of traffic safety and alcohol at the wheel belong to the public discussion in order to raise awareness and to minimize the risk of all road users. Stay responsible - and remember: a good hand when driving not only means choosing the right direction, but also sober.