Drunk on the A40, the couple made their way to the police station to retrieve their partner.
In Germany, the use of e-scooters under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited by law, as reported in two separate incidents in Bochum and Dortmund [1].
On Sunday evening (10.08.), a Volkswagen with three men was stopped by deployment forces in Bochum on Essen Street. A voluntary drug test revealed the presence of cocaine in the driver's system, and a breath alcohol test showed he was over the legal limit of 0.5 promille. The driver, a 23-year-old from Dortmund, was also found to be in possession of a fake driver's license.
Meanwhile, in Dortmund, another group of friends, including the passenger from the previous incident, were found on an e-scooter on the A40 motorway. The e-scooter driver showed signs of alcohol and cocaine use, and a preliminary breath test revealed over two promille for one of the passengers. A doctor was called for a blood test of the e-scooter driver, and a voluntary drug test confirmed the presence of cocaine in the passenger's system.
The legal alcohol limit for e-scooter riders is consistent with limits applied to other motorized vehicles, and riding above this limit can lead to penalties similar to DUI charges. E-scooters are legally recognized in Germany, but misuse under impairment is not allowed, reflecting a strong safety focus to reduce accidents related to intoxication. Riders are also generally required to follow additional safety rules, such as carrying lights and reflectors [2].
Research indicates a considerable proportion of e-scooter accidents involve alcohol consumption, raising safety concerns [3]. Enforcement of laws against drunk riding on e-scooters aligns with the approach for bicycles and motor vehicles to maintain public safety [1][3].
Both the Bochum police and the Dortmund police will continue to prosecute persons who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. From 1.1 promille, it is a criminal offense under § 316 StGB.
Sources:
[1] Bundesverkehrsamt (2021). E-Scooter-Verordnung
[2] EU-Kommission (2020). Mikromobilität
[3] Kraus, S. (2021). E-Scooter-Unfälle: Alkohol und Drogen betrügen viele Fahrer
The incident in Bochum underscores the significance of mental health and general news, as it highlights the consequences of drug use and driving, including possessing a fake driver's license. The presence of cocaine in the driver's system is indicative of the health-and-wellness issues associated with substance abuse.
In a separate incident in Dortmund, the illegal use of e-scooters under the influence of alcohol and drugs was again demonstrated. This case emphasizes the need for strict enforcement of crime-and-justice regulations, such as the prohibition of drunk e-scooter riding.
The consistent legal alcohol limit for e-scooter riders underlines the importance of science, as it reflects the evidence-based approach to maintaining public safety. This approach aligns with the regulations governing bicycles and motor vehicles, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of road safety.
