Police record rise in drug-impaired e-scooter riders

Police in Vorarlberg recorded about 500 alcohol-impaired drivers and nearly 300 drug-impaired drivers in the first half of 2026, ORF reported. The number of alcohol-related cases was about 10 percent lower than in the same period last year, while drug-related cases rose by about 10 percent.

The police have seen a particular increase among e-scooter riders. Seventeen riders have been caught under the influence of drugs so far this year, compared with two in all of last year, said Peter Rüscher, head of the regional traffic department. He said increased police attention to the problem had contributed to the figures and that checks would continue.

Alcohol-related offences among e-scooter riders have declined, although the police are also carrying out more checks in that area.

Most impaired drivers are men, with younger men making up the majority of those caught under the influence of drugs.

Police also occasionally stop impaired heavy-vehicle drivers. Last week, officers stopped the driver of a hazardous-goods truck with a blood alcohol level of 0.4 parts per thousand, despite the strict limit of 0.1 parts per thousand for such drivers. He was removed from traffic and could face a substantial fine as well as serious employment-related consequences.

Rüscher said some alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers are also found carrying their young children in their cars, a situation he described as particularly troubling for traffic police.