Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison After Fatal Drunk Driving Incident in Lower Austria

A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison following a fatal road accident in Inzersdorf-Getzersdorf, located in the district of St. Pölten-Land, Lower Austria. The incident involved the man, who was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, colliding with a 20-year-old motorcyclist, resulting in her immediate death at the scene.

The collision occurred on the afternoon of September 27 on a straight section of the L113 road. According to the court, the driver crossed into the opposite lane, where he struck the young motorcyclist. Witnesses observed the man engaging in reckless driving behavior prior to the accident. Subsequent testing revealed a blood alcohol level of at least 2.2 per mille. The driver admitted to consuming beer and schnapps at a bar in Traismauer before getting behind the wheel, but was unable to provide a clear reason for his decision to drink and drive.

After the crash, the driver exited his vehicle and attempted to provide first aid to the victim. He also sustained injuries in the incident, including a concussion and several fractures. During the proceedings, it was revealed that this was not the man's first offense related to alcohol consumption while driving. He had prior administrative penalties dating back to 2021 and had previously been caught twice for operating a vehicle under the influence. Additionally, the man had been given a suspended sentence in 2023 for property damage in Vienna.

In court, the defendant expressed remorse, stating that he continues to be affected by the consequences of the accident. His defense counsel highlighted the impact on his mental and physical health following the incident, describing it as the most significant mistake of his life. The court acknowledged the increasing prevalence of drunk driving and the tendency for such behavior to be underestimated until tragic outcomes occur. The judge emphasized the need for a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to others, while also noting the difficulty of delivering a judgment that could be considered adequate from the perspective of the victim's family.

The 14-month prison sentence was handed down for grossly negligent homicide. The verdict is not yet legally binding, as the defendant's attorney has filed an appeal. The prosecutor did not provide a statement regarding the decision. The court also extended the probation period related to the previous suspended sentence to five years, but did not revoke the suspension.

This case underscores the severe consequences of driving under the influence and the legal measures in place to address such offenses in Austria. Authorities continue to stress the dangers associated with impaired driving, as well as the importance of preventative action to avoid future tragedies on the roads.