Traffic control in Bingen: two e-scooter drivers without insurance and under drugs

Traffic control in Bingen: two e-scooter drivers without insurance and under drugs

Bingen - On an ordinary lunch afternoon in Bingen, more precisely on August 23, 2024, officials from the Bingen police inspection came up with unpleasant surprises twice while carrying out traffic controls. Two e-scooter drivers had no valid insurance, and both were under the influence of drugs.

The first check took place at 5:32 p.m. on Mainzer Strasse, where a 26-year-old man was stopped with his e-scooter. During the review, it turned out that the e-scooter was not insured-a serious violation that endangers the safety in road traffic. But that was not all: a drug test after the check showed that the driver was under the influence of cannabis. This led to the removal of a blood sample to determine the exact amount of drugs in the blood.

repeated violations under the influence of drugs

just under an hour and a half later, at 6:50 p.m., another e-scooter driver, 24 years old, was also stopped on Mainzer Strasse. His vehicle had an expired insurance license plate - here too a very clear violation of the regulations. In addition, a preliminary test confirmed on site that this driver was also under the influence of cannabis. A blood sample was then taken from him.

Both drivers now expect considerable legal problems. You have to answer not only for driving without insurance protection, but also due to driving under the influence of narcotics. These are violations that can result in serious consequences, including high fines and possibly driving bans.

relevance of control

The Bingen police inspection shows with these controls how important compliance with the traffic rules is. E-scooters have enjoyed growing popularity as an environmentally friendly means of transportation in recent years, but the responsibility of the drivers should not be underestimated. Insurance and a sober state are basic prerequisites for the safe use of such vehicles.

These incidents also shed light on a bigger problem that can be observed in many cities: the increase in road users who drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. E-scooters are not only suitable for rapid trips through the city, they also need a responsible handling. The regular controls by the police are a step in the right direction to increase safety on the streets.

The consequences for the drivers

The legal steps that are initiated against the two young men will have to have a serious effect on their behavior in road traffic. The law provides strict punishments to punish such violations and thus achieve a daunting effect. The high fines, which can be imposed primarily for drugs, serve not only for law enforcement, but also prevention.

The social acceptance of drug abuse, even in the context of a comparatively harmless means of transport such as the e-scooter, must be questioned. It is becoming increasingly clear that the responsible handling of any means of transportation-be it e-scooter, bicycles or cars-is a basic requirement for safe cooperation on the streets.

Legal framework for e-scooter

The use of e-scooters in Germany is subject to specific legal regulations, which have been defined in 2019 since the electrical cleaning law (EKFV) came into force. E-scooters may only be used on public roads and cycle paths; Driving on civil climb is prohibited. Liability insurance is required for participation in road traffic, which is proven by a valid insurance license plate. The disregard for these regulations can not only lead to fines, but also to criminal consequences.

Significant changes to the EKFV included the age restrictions for the drivers. Interestingly, only people from the age of 14 are allowed to drive e-scooters, which has initiated a discussion about the security of young drivers in recent years. The regulations also provide for drivers not to consume alcoholic drinks or drugs. This is also reflected in the current police controls of how they are documented in the above incident.

statistics on e-scooter use and traffic safety

The use of e-scooters has increased significantly in recent years. A survey by the Federal Association of E-Scooter providers showed that from 2020 to 2023 the number of registered e-scooters in Germany has grown by around 35%. Statistics show that more than 180,000 e-scooters were on German roads in 2022. Consumers appreciate the opportunity to cover inner -city routes quickly and environmentally friendly.

Nevertheless, there is a worrying increase in accidents related to e-scooters. According to the German Red Cross, over 6,000 accidents with e-scooters occurred in 2022, of which a significant number of trips under the influence of drugs or alcohol were caused. The police recognized this as an important point and strengthens their controls to increase traffic safety.

• Growth of e-scooter use: +35% from 2020 to 2023
• registered e-scooter in Germany (2022): over 180,000
• Accidents with e-scooters (2022): Over 6,000

social discussion about e-scooters and their regulation

The growing popularity of e-scooters has triggered a broad social discussion that raises questions about security, environmental compatibility and regulation. Critics argue that the frequent use of e-scooters contributes to an increase in traffic accidents and that many drivers do not adhere to the applicable regulations. There are also concerns about the risk of accidents, especially in connection with drivers that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

supporters, on the other hand, see e-scooters as an effective solution to the urban traffic problem. These users call the flexibility and low environmental pollution as the main arguments. Nevertheless, it can be seen that a greater education and sensitization of users about the rules and behavior in road traffic is necessary to ensure security for all road users.

The argument about e-scooter is a good example of how new mobility concepts can both tighten and solve existing challenges in road traffic.