12 drunk drivers caught on Latvian roads in 24 hours, 93 accidents recorded
Latvian State Police data show that over the past 24 hours 12 drivers were caught under the influence of alcohol and 93 road accidents were recorded. Four people were injured in the crashes.
Police in Latvia caught 12 drivers behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol over the past 24 hours, according to information compiled by the State Police. In total, 93 road traffic accidents were registered in the country during that period, and four people were injured in them.
Drink-driving cases
Four administrative offence proceedings and eight criminal proceedings were launched for driving while intoxicated, which makes 12 cases in all. In Latvia, criminal liability applies when a driver's blood alcohol concentration exceeds 1.5 per mille. Criminal liability can also arise for driving under the influence of narcotic or other intoxicating substances.
Speeding and other violations
For breaches of traffic rules, police adopted 537 administrative offence decisions. Drivers were most often penalised for exceeding the permitted speed limit: such violations were identified in 175 cases. Another two decisions were issued for aggressive driving.
Why it matters
Aggressive driving and speeding significantly raise the risk of road accidents. This is especially true in situations where a driver has to react quickly to unexpected obstacles on the road. The figures released by police show how often drivers still break rules designed to keep road users safe, and how many accidents occur across the country within a single day.
