Styrian police issue 1,480 citations in traffic crackdown

Styrian police issued more than 1,480 citations and confiscated 19 driving licences during a major traffic operation overnight from Friday to Saturday, ORF reported. The checks focused on speeding and drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Speeding accounted for 87 percent of the citations. Police also reported 38 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol and four for driving under the influence of drugs.

The operation was led by Jochen Heiling of the State Traffic Department. “At this time of year, we generally focus on alcohol and drugs. We try to remove impaired drivers from the roads, but other offences such as distraction and speeding are also punished,” Heiling said.

The aim of the targeted checks was to raise awareness of road safety and reduce the number of road deaths. Police said alcohol and drugs at the wheel, speeding and distraction remain the most common causes of accidents.