Police pull numerous impaired drivers from roads during traffic checks around Lustenau

In addition to the unfit-to-drive motorists, 22 people were reported for carrying drugs. The police also inspected the vehicles themselves: six license plates were confiscated on the spot due to serious technical defects. Another plate had been used improperly.

Focused checks around the open-air festival

In addition, the officers identified numerous other offenses. Beyond the Road Traffic Act, violations concerned the Motor Vehicle Act, the Driving License Act, and the Registration Act. The checks extended across the entire greater Dornbirn area as well as adjacent areas such as Feldkirch. Specific information on the duration of the operation or the number of officers deployed was not initially released.

The authorities announced that they would continue the focused checks around major events in the district of Dornbirn. The background is the heightened traffic and security situation at festivals such as the "Szene Openair". Experience shows that such occasions lead to an accumulation of violations of the Road Traffic Act as well as offenses connected to addictive substances.

Legal consequences and ongoing measures

The police appeal to visitors of such events to pay attention to their own fitness to drive and, when in doubt, to choose alternative ways home such as public transport, taxis, or shared rides. Anyone under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication must not drive a vehicle. Fatigue also poses a serious danger in road traffic.

Legal consequences threaten those affected in several areas. In Austria, a report for driving under the influence of addictive substances typically results, in addition to a fine, in the revocation of the driving license as well as a medical assessment. Anyone carrying drugs must also expect to be reported under the Narcotic Substances Act. The confiscated license plates remain suspended until the technical defects are rectified.

Police assessment and outlook

Lustenau and the district of Dornbirn are regularly the scene of larger open-air events. In recent years, the police have increased their presence around such events and carry out mobile checks on main access roads and parking lots. The goal is to increase the safety of all road users and reduce the number of accidents under the influence of addictive substances or alcohol.

The now-published results of the checks make clear, according to police, the need for continued intensive monitoring. In particular, the high number of drug-impaired drivers – 24 of 29 unfit-to-drive motorists – shows that the checks are necessary in order to identify and sanction risks in road traffic at an early stage. The authorities will evaluate their measures in the coming weeks and decide on further focused operations.