Chaos in Goslar: Drunk drivers and vandalism on Sunday

Chaos in Goslar: Drunk drivers and vandalism on Sunday

In the early morning of September 7, 2025, the police in Goslar became aware of several incidents. On Mauerstrasse, officers discovered that at least two traffic signs had been sprayed with paint. This caused damage that is now being investigated. Police are asking possible witnesses to come forward and provide information about the suspects who were spotted at the scene. Such acts of vandalism are not an isolated case in the region, and the police are even more dependent on the public's help.

But that wasn't the only thing the police had to deal with this Sunday. At around 4:42 a.m., a patrol crew noticed a car driving in a serpentine line on Federal Highway 6. During the check in the Kunigunde district, it emerged that the 22-year-old driver was heavily intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 1.59. This has legal consequences: The police initiated criminal proceedings and seized the driver's license. In Germany, the legal alcohol limit is 0.5, and there is even an absolute ban on alcohol for novice drivers and young drivers up to the age of 21.

Another drug offense

At lunchtime on the same day, a 24-year-old driver who was heavily under the influence of drugs was checked on Stapelner Strasse. Here too, the driver's license was confiscated and criminal proceedings were initiated. Such incidents are alarming because the number of traffic accidents in which alcohol plays a role has risen sharply in recent years. According to the Goslar Institute, there were a total of 38,771 accidents under the influence of alcohol in Germany in 2022 - an increase of 19% compared to the previous year. There was a decline in this area, especially during the Corona pandemic, but this is now being dramatically reversed.

The legal consequences for alcohol-related traffic offenses should not be neglected: a first offense under the influence of alcohol can result in a fine of up to 250 euros, one point in Flensburg and participation in an advanced seminar. The consequences are particularly serious at levels above 1.1 per mille if the driver is considered absolutely unfit to drive. In such cases, the insurance company can even refuse or reduce benefits in the event of an accident, which significantly increases the financial risks for those affected.

A worrying trend

Unfortunately, a worrying trend is emerging: In 2022, 2,782 people died in traffic accidents in Germany, which represents an increase of 9% compared to the previous year. The increase in alcohol-related accidents fits into this worrying overall picture. The statistics of the last few years make it clear that the number of traffic fatalities and accidents caused by alcohol and drugs on the roads is constantly increasing, after it was possible to reduce them in the past.

The police in Goslar and the population have their hands full to stop this trend. In light of such incidents, it is the responsibility of each individual to take the safety of all road users seriously and to use alcohol and drugs responsibly.