Hannover Police Catch Hundreds of Traffic Offenders, Many on E-Scooters

Hannover police apprehended hundreds of traffic offenders during a major weekend operation, with nearly one in six vehicles checked being taken off the road. More than 10% of those stopped were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, either in cars or on e-scooters.

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The overall results of the two-day control measure clearly demonstrate the necessity of official intervention.

The extensive checks, which involved officers from 11 German states, Switzerland, and Austria, targeted a range of violations including alcohol and drug impairment, running red lights, and seatbelt or mobile phone offenses. Police stated the "overall results of the two-day control measure clearly demonstrate the necessity of official intervention."

A persistent issue identified by authorities is the perception of e-scooters. Many users, police noted, incorrectly view them as less serious vehicles than cars. This misunderstanding contributes to risky behavior on the roads.

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Many vehicle drivers also tried to evade controls, especially e-scooter riders, but in most cases this attempt still ended with a blood sample taken by the police doctor.

During the operation, 1,150 vehicles were inspected. A total of 166 drivers, including 88 car drivers and 78 e-scooter riders, registered a blood alcohol content above 0.5 per mille. In 33 instances, a dangerous combination of alcohol and drugs was detected. Police reported that many drivers attempted to flee controls, particularly e-scooter users, but were often apprehended and subjected to blood tests.

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Some individuals were barely able to stand, but were actively participating in road traffic with e-scooters.

Some individuals were so impaired they could barely stand but were still operating e-scooters. One 32-year-year-old e-scooter rider tested positive for a wide array of substances, including THC, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, opiates, and alcohol. The highest blood alcohol level recorded was 2.84 per mille in a 27-year-old e-scooter rider, whose ability to perceive and react was severely compromised. A 66-year-old female driver also tested positive for cocaine and THC, highlighting that drug use in traffic is not limited by age.

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That drugs in traffic are not a question of age was proven by a 66-year-old female driver whose preliminary test was positive for cocaine and THC, whereupon her onward journey was stopped and a blood sample was ordered.