Drunk driving: Several accidents in Cloppenburg and the surrounding area!

Drunk driving: Several accidents in Cloppenburg and the surrounding area!

On November 9, 2025, there were some alarming road traffic incidents in northern Germany that point to the dangers of drunk driving. In the municipality of Emstek, a 43-year-old man from Löningen was picked up by the police early on Saturday morning. He was driving a car on federal highway 72 and had an alcohol level of an astonishing 1.98 per mille in his breath. The police immediately initiated criminal proceedings and confiscated his driver's license. Such cases are not only worrying, they also pose a significant risk to other road users, as shown by statistics on alcohol-related traffic accidents in Germany, recorded up to 2024 and recently published.

On the same day, a serious traffic accident occurred in Cloppenburg. While crossing the B 213, a 67-year-old man from Höltinghausen overlooked a car that was being driven by a 47-year-old man from Großenkneten. Both vehicles were thrown into the ditch as a result of the collision, and a blessing in disguise: both drivers suffered minor injuries. But the material damage is significant and is estimated at around 10,000 euros.

More accidents and risks

But there was another incident not only in Cloppenburg, but also in Lindern on November 8th, when an 18-year-old motorcyclist from Freren lost control of his vehicle in a left-hand bend. He and his 16-year-old passenger from Lengerich also sustained minor injuries. The material damage here amounts to around 2,000 euros. This shows that accidents can occur in different forms, especially since younger drivers are not immune to risks.

On the same day, around 8:30 p.m., the police in Cloppenburg again became aware of a dangerous incident. A 22-year-old woman from Garrel was driving her car when a 44-year-old man from Cloppenburg drove into her and collided with several fences. When the accident was recorded, it turned out that the man was under the influence of alcohol - his level was as high as 2.11 per mille. He also had no insurance cover for his car and his foreign driving license was invalid. This not only has legal consequences for him, but also results in immense property damage amounting to 12,500 euros.

Drunk driving: an ever-growing problem

The events of the weekend once again put the finger on the wound when it comes to alcohol-related traffic accidents. The statistics from the Federal Statistical Office show that a worrying number of such accidents were documented in Germany from 1995 to 2024. The pressure on the authorities to take preventive measures and to increase information about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol remains constantly high.

In light of these incidents, all road users must act more consciously and cautiously to ensure that they and others reach their destinations safely. It is good that the police carry out regular checks, but it takes a joint effort from government and society to bring about a noticeable change and make the streets safer.