Don't drink and drive

Fewer accidents due to drink driving

In the previous year, 36,648 alcohol checks were carried out in Vorarlberg, with 1159 cases resulting in a report.

(Bild: Klemens Groh)

The number of alcohol-related accidents in Vorarlberg fell slightly in the first half of the current year. A sense of responsibility is particularly in demand at the moment due to the many Christmas markets. 

From January to the end of June, a total of 86 accidents under the influence of alcohol were recorded in the region, resulting in 97 injuries and, unfortunately, one fatality. In comparison: in the first half of 2023, 108 people were injured in 92 accidents and one driver lost their life. 

However, there is no reason to be happy about this slight downward trend in alcohol-related accidents. For one thing, the figures were significantly better in previous years - and for another, there are usually significantly more alcohol-related accidents in the second half of the year.

Temptations of the pre-Christmas period
The danger of underestimating the effects of alcohol and getting behind the wheel is particularly high during the Advent season, when Christmas markets everywhere are tempting with sweetened mulled wine and punch. The Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ) therefore reminds us that the risk of accidents doubles at 0.5 per mille, increases sevenfold at 1.0 per mille and 35-fold at two per mille. "The motto 'Don't drink and drive' must be taken to heart," emphasizes VCÖ spokesperson Christian Gratzer.

Since 2018, 13 people have died on Vorarlberg's roads due to alcohol-related accidents and more than 1,300 have been injured.