Drunk driver speeds through Götschka Tunnel on S10 at 190 km/h

Due to the incidents, the man was prohibited from continuing his journey, according to police. He now faces charges for several offenses, including driving without a valid license and speeding. Details regarding a possible report for alcohol or medication influence were not specified in the release.

Legal consequences

The S10 is an expressway connecting the Linz area with the Mühlviertel. The Götschka Tunnel is located in the municipality of Neumarkt im Mühlkreis and is a sensitive section of the route. Speeding violations in tunnels are considered particularly dangerous, as reaction times in accidents are additionally shortened by walls and lighting.

Police pointed out in the release once again the dangers of alcohol and medication while driving. Even small amounts of alcohol could significantly reduce the ability to react, especially in combination with certain medications. The officers appealed to road users to switch to alternative mobility in case of doubt.

According to the State Police Directorate, investigations by the responsible departments are routinely conducted in such cases. In addition to criminal consequences, depending on the outcome of the investigation, administrative measures such as another revocation of the driver's license are also threatened. An order to provide a medical expert opinion is also possible.

Risks in the tunnel

Statistically, speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents on Austrian expressways. According to police, the risk of a serious accident increases exponentially with each increase in speed above the permitted limit. In the tunnel, there is also the fact that evasive maneuvers are often not possible.

As stated in the release, the man had already come to the officers' attention the previous day, after which his driver's license was taken from him. How he nevertheless came into possession of a vehicle from which he was able to begin the rapid drive is the subject of the ongoing investigation. Police did not rule out that owners or other involved parties would also be investigated.

According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday. The specific time and further details of the check — such as whether a drug test was carried out — were not mentioned in the present communication. The investigations are ongoing.

Investigations and further steps

Given the aggravated situation in the tunnel, police remind of the regulations for expressways in the Upper Austrian route network. On the S10, a speed limit applies between junctions, which is additionally reduced in the tunnel area. Violations are consistently pursued, according to the State Police Directorate.

The 41-year-old must also answer for suspicion of acts promoting flight from authorities, as he drove a vehicle despite his license having been taken. Should the suspicion of impairment be confirmed, further charges will be added.

The Upper Austria State Police Directorate announced that it would inform the public about the outcome of the proceedings once the investigations are completed. Until then, the usual rules of official confidentiality apply.