Driver with 2.21 Promille Causes Double Traffic Accident

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at around 5:25 PM, on Vile Velebita Street near house number 6, a serious traffic incident occurred that once again drew attention to the problem of driving under the influence of alcohol. A sixty-year-old driver of a personal vehicle with Zagreb license plates caused two traffic accidents in a short period due to a high level of intoxication.

According to the police report, the driver was moving along the approach lane towards the parking lot of Vile Velebita Street in a southeast direction. While attempting to turn into an available parking space, he did not ensure that he could perform the maneuver safely. Due to negligence and the influence of alcohol, he collided the front part of his vehicle with the front part of a parked personal car, also with Zagreb license plates.

After the first collision, the driver attempted to rectify the situation by driving in reverse. However, due to reduced vehicle control, the rear part of his car hit the front part of a parked freight vehicle. This incident caused significant material damage to both parked vehicles, but fortunately, there were no injuries.

High Level of Intoxication

Police officers quickly arrived at the scene and conducted a breathalyzer test on the driver. The results showed an alcohol concentration of 2.21 g/kg in the body, which is more than four times the legally allowed limit. Such a level of alcohol severely affects motor functions and decision-making abilities, leading to this incident.

The driver was arrested and placed in a special room at the police station until he sobered up. The next day, he was brought before the Municipal Misdemeanor Court in Zagreb, where he was sentenced to ten days in jail. Additionally, he was assigned nine demerit points, which significantly affect his driving status and future ability to operate a vehicle.

Young Driver Without a License and Under the Influence of Alcohol

On the same day, September 12, 2024, at around 12:40 AM, the police stopped a 26-year-old driver on Zagrebačka Street who was operating a personal vehicle with Zagreb license plates heading west. At the intersection with Ciklama Street, police officers noticed suspicious behavior from the driver and decided to stop him.

During the check, it was determined that the driver had not passed a driving test for any vehicle category. Additionally, the vehicle he was operating had been previously reported as stolen. Breathalyzer testing revealed an alcohol concentration of 0.62 g/kg in his body, and the driver refused to undergo testing for the presence of narcotic drugs.

The police arrested the driver and placed him in a special room until he sobered up. The next day, he was brought before the Municipal Misdemeanor Court in Zagreb, where he was fined 3,160 euros and banned from operating motor vehicles for 12 months. He was also assigned 15 demerit points, which practically prohibits him from legally operating vehicles in the future.

Police and Authorities' Appeal

These cases once again highlight the seriousness of the problem of driving under the influence of alcohol and without a driving license. The police urge all road users to behave responsibly and adhere to legal regulations to increase road safety. Education and preventive measures are key to reducing such incidents and protecting the lives of all road users.

Statistics Serve as a Warning

According to the latest data from the Ministry of the Interior, the number of traffic accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol remains high. In the first eight months of this year, there was a 5% increase in such incidents compared to the same period last year. Experts emphasize the need to intensify preventive campaigns and strengthen road controls.

How to Avoid Such Situations?

Drivers are advised to completely avoid alcohol consumption if they plan to operate a vehicle. Alternative options such as using public transportation, taxis, or transportation services can prevent potential tragedies. Additionally, citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity on the roads so that the police can respond promptly.