ÖAMTC: Over 2,600 Alcohol-Related Traffic Accidents in 2023

ÖAMTC: Over 2,600 Alcohol-Related Traffic Accidents in 2023

Image: APA/THEMENBILD/GEORG HOCHMUTH

 

There were 2,676 alcohol-related traffic accidents in Austria in 2023, leaving nearly 3,300 people injured and 26 dead, the Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC) reported on Tuesday.

This year has already seen 30 fatalities in alcohol-related crashes – surpassing the total number for the whole of last year.

As the Christmas market season gets underway, the ÖAMTC has urged the public to exercise caution, particularly with mulled wine, punch and other festive hot drinks, where the alcohol content can be difficult to judge due to their high sugar content.

“We strongly recommend using public transport to travel to and from these events,” said ÖAMTC traffic psychologist Marion Seidenberger. “Anyone planning to drive a car, cycle, or use a scooter should avoid alcohol altogether. Otherwise, you risk endangering yourself and other road users.”

Alcohol limits and risks

In Austria, the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.5‰. However, Seidenberger warned that “various studies and surveys have shown people cannot reliably judge when they have reached this limit. The same applies to their ability to assess if they are fit to drive, as even levels below 0.5‰ can significantly impair driving ability.”

She also urged passengers not to ride with drivers who have been drinking, emphasising the importance of speaking up.

Stricter rules for rental vehicles

The rules are even tougher for those planning to use car-sharing vehicles, rental e-scooters or shared bikes to get home from a Christmas outing.

“The terms and conditions of many sharing providers are stricter than the law, often enforcing a zero-tolerance policy – meaning 0.0‰,” explained ÖAMTC legal advisor Nikolaus Authried.

Breaking these rules can result in fines or, in the event of an accident, large compensation claims against the user.

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