According to a survey by Forsa conducted for RTL/ntv, a majority of drivers in Germany have operated vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. Sixty percent of those surveyed admitted to ever driving after consuming alcohol. Most of these individuals (51 percent) reported doing so after drinking small quantities, such as one beer (0.3 liters) or one glass of wine (0.2 liters). However, almost one in ten drivers (9 percent) admitted to driving after consuming larger amounts of alcohol.
The survey also found gender differences in behavior. Overall, men reported driving while intoxicated more frequently than women. This difference was particularly noticeable among those who drove after multiple drinks: 13 percent of men reported this habit, compared to only 5 percent of women.
The issue of intoxication is also widespread among cyclists. Two-thirds (67 percent) of cyclists admitted to riding while intoxicated at least once. While most of these incidents occurred after low consumption (38 percent), nearly a third (29 percent) admitted to cycling after consuming more than one glass of alcohol. Furthermore, men reported engaging in drunk cycling nearly twice as often as women-39 percent of men compared to 20 percent of women.
In response to these findings, a pan-European enforcement week has begun this Monday, featuring increased checks focusing on alcohol and drug offenses.
