Tragic accident

Homeless man rolled over: fine for driver

The tragic accident happened on Vogelweiderstraße in Salzburg.

(Bild: Markus Tschepp/Tschepp Markus)

A homeless man was lying drunk in the entrance to the underground parking garage of an apartment building in Salzburg. A female driver overlooked him while driving home and fatally ran him over. She has now been convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Why was the homeless man lying there in the driveway on that day in March of all days? This question torments the young defendant, a Polish woman (32) who lives and works here: "I just wanted to go home, I don't understand how this could have happened." She is accused of involuntary manslaughter at the trial on Thursday in Salzburg District Court. Because on March 14, she fatally ran over a Hungarian man (30) lying on the asphalt in front of her underground parking garage entrance with her car - a Mercedes A-Class.

An accident like this can happen to anyone, and it has happened to many. Driving on sight is a requirement everywhere.

Unfall-Experte und Sachverständiger Gerhard Kronreif

The homeless man was drunk and high on drugs at the time of the accident. And he was also conspicuous beforehand, noted defense lawyer Markus Kobler: "30 minutes before the accident, the police and ambulance were on site for an official matter. Because the man kept walking on the road." However, the emergency services did not recognize any danger and left, according to Kobler: "My client came home from work and didn't see him. She is incredibly sorry and has been receiving treatment since the accident."

Sitting position was a big factor 
Judge Aleksandar Vincetic asked in more detail: "I drive this road every day and have looked twice. I've never had an accident before, it was a big shock for me," replied the woman, visibly moved by what had happened. Accident expert Gerhard Kronreif presented his expert opinion and clarified the traffic-related issues: the car was not traveling too fast at 12 to 16 km/h and visibility was good that day. But her seat was not adjusted high enough. "He would have been visible from a higher position."

But above all, the driver had disregarded a "golden rule": the requirement to drive by sight. "There can always be something on the road," warned Kronreif. Judge Vincetic imposed a fine of 1710 euros - not legally binding.