Drunk Truck Driver Nearly Causes Head-On Collision on German Highway
On Tuesday morning, an intoxicated truck driver narrowly averted a catastrophic head-on collision on a federal highway in Germany, leaving authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.
Reckless Overtaking and Near Miss
According to police reports, the 47-year-old truck driver was driving along the B10 highway between Annweiler Ost and Queichhambach in the Südliche Weinstraße district when he attempted a reckless overtaking maneuver. Ignoring traffic regulations, he illegally overtook another vehicle while traveling in the direction of Landau.
This reckless maneuver forced the driver of an oncoming truck, a 51-year-old man, to take evasive action. The oncoming truck driver was compelled to brake hard and swerve into the right-hand safety barrier to avoid an imminent head-on impact.
Witnesses reported that the 47-year-old driver, after dangerously overtaking, attempted to swerve back into his own lane mere meters before the oncoming truck came to a standstill. This last-minute maneuver resulted in a minor collision between the two semi-trailer trucks. Miraculously, despite the severity of the incident, no injuries were reported.
Hit-and-Run and Police Pursuit
Instead of stopping to check on the damage or offer assistance, the 47-year-old driver continued his journey, leaving the scene of the accident without acknowledging his responsibility. However, the 51-year-old driver and witnesses promptly notified the police, who immediately launched a search for the fleeing truck driver.
Pursuing the suspect’s truck, police officers located the vehicle on the A65 motorway. Upon intercepting the truck, they subjected the driver to a breathalyzer test, which revealed a shocking blood alcohol level of 1.79 per mille, well above the legal limit.
Charges and Investigation
The 47-year-old truck driver now faces multiple charges. He is being investigated for hit-and-run and endangering traffic. As part of the ongoing investigation, the Bundesstraße was temporarily closed to facilitate the accident reconstruction and evidence collection.
Authorities emphasize the severity of this reckless driving behavior, which could have resulted in catastrophic consequences. The incident highlights the dangers associated with impaired driving and illegal overtaking maneuvers. They urge drivers to prioritize road safety, adhere to traffic regulations, and avoid putting themselves and others at risk.
