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Drunk driver rams trees in Leipzig – police investigate!
A drunk driver caused an accident in Meusdorf by driving into two trees. Investigations are ongoing.
Drunk driver rams trees in Leipzig – police investigate!
A dangerous car ride in Leipzig on Monday evening ended in an accident that clearly illustrates the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. A 41-year-old was driving on Chemnitzer Strasse around 9:30 p.m. with a blood alcohol level of over 2.8 per mille and made the headlines several times. Passers-by watched as the man drove in serpentine lines and eventually collided with a tree and then with a second.
The driver told officers that he had left the road and did not remember the first collision with the tree. However, an examination of the lanes showed that he had previously struck another tree, causing damage to a tire and rim. A breath alcohol test revealed a high level of 2.82 per mille, which is well above the limit of 0.5 per mille that applies in Germany.
Consequences under the influence of alcohol
In Germany, driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents, as a study by the Federal Statistical Office shows. In 2019, approximately 71% of drunk drivers involved in personal injury accidents had a blood alcohol level of at least 1.1. It is alarming that one in five drunk drivers had a blood alcohol level of at least 2.0, underlining the danger of this situation.
The legal consequences are drastic. New drivers in their probationary period must observe a 0.0 blood alcohol limit and violations are punished as serious misdemeanors. Penalties usually include a fine of at least 500 euros, a driving ban of one month, and potentially more serious consequences if an accident is caused. In this particular case, the 41-year-old could face charges of endangering traffic and leaving the scene of an accident without permission, which could cost him dearly.
Additionally, the driver's license was confiscated and his vehicle was towed. The exact material damage caused by the accident has not yet been determined. The police have already started an investigation that will provide information about the next steps, especially with regard to a possible hit-and-run.
Given the risks associated with drinking alcohol and driving, it is essential to take your own responsibility into account in your social environment and never drive under the influence of alcohol. The legal consequences clearly show that the laws are being rigorously enforced to ensure the safety of all road users. Further information and statistics on this topic can be found at rueden.de.