Wrong-way driver heavily intoxicated in the tunnel: danger to life measured away!

Wrong-way driver heavily intoxicated in the tunnel: danger to life measured away!

What a dangerous maneuver took place in Villach on the night from Thursday to Friday! A 25-year-old Slovakian woman, heavily intoxicated, drove her vehicle in the wrong direction onto the A10 Tauern motorway. The incident took place today at 1:25 a.m. at the Ossiacher See entrance. The suspected reason for this dangerous journey was an incorrect announcement from the navigation device, which caused them to turn around in the Oswaldiberg tunnel and drive out of the tunnel in the opposite direction to the prescribed direction of travel.

ASFINAG reacted quickly to the dangerous situation and recognized the wrong-way vehicle. To prevent anything worse from happening, the tunnel's traffic lights were turned red. A few minutes later, the police were able to stop the driver at the end of the tunnel. A breathalyzer test was positive, which probably explains the reason for the woman's chaotic behavior. Her driver's license was confiscated on site and she is now awaiting a report.

### Drunk driving and wrong-way driving

Alcohol and drugs are not uncommon and are among the main causes of wrong-way driving, as ASFINAG describes. In 2023, 400 reports of wrong-way drivers were registered across Austria, a slight decrease of 10% compared to the previous year with 444 reports. Despite this positive trend, there have also been 11 accidents involving wrong-way drivers in recent times, in which two people died and several were injured. It is alarming to learn that many drivers blindly trust their navigation device and end up in a dangerous situation.

ASFINAG examines the data on wrong-way drivers and accidents every year in order to take effective measures. Consequences such as improved signage and floor markings at critical points are necessary to increase safety on the roads. Especially in the Villach junction, where several motorways meet, the situation has already improved thanks to new color information on signs and targeted measures to improve steering guidance.

### Causes in detail

A new study carried out by GDV - the insurer's accident researchers - is also interesting and provides information about the dangerous phenomenon of wrong-way driving. This study shows that a significant proportion of wrong-way driving is done intentionally. Over 45% of cases fall into this category, while alcohol was detected in around 20% of wrong-way drivers. Younger drivers are affected more often than older road users. According to the study results, particularly elderly people aged 65 and over, who often suffer from confusion or dementia, are also at risk.

In view of these frightening figures, ASFINAG calls for people to remain calm, reduce their speed and keep their distance in the event of a wrong-way driver warning. It's best to stay in the right lane and, if necessary, wait for a parking space or rest area. This is the only way to protect yourself and other road users.

In summary, those responsible in Villach and on the entire Austrian roads are continuously working to increase road safety in order to avoid dangerous situations like this and to protect everyone on the roads.