Explosive verdict

Can a passenger also be to blame for a drink-driving accident?

If a passenger gets into the car with a drunk driver, this was usually regarded in court as so-called carpooling. How does the judiciary view this old rule today?

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Alcohol is consumed in a party. Everyone sees that the person who is supposed to drive the others home is also drinking. Nothing will happen, everyone thinks. But what happens if there is an accident? A tragic case resulting in death prompts us to think about "drinking parties", because the justice system is also rethinking.

It was supposed to be a wonderful Mother's Day for two families in Carinthia - and ended up being a nightmare. Two young Carinthians - best friends - spend time with their loved ones and with each other. During a visit to a building site, at least two or three large beers are consumed. A breathalyzer test later reveals that the driver (29) has a blood alcohol level of around 0.9 per mille. Too much to drive. His friend (27) got into the car with him anyway and died a short time later. Should the passenger have recognized that he was drunk? Is someone who knowingly gets into a car with a drunk driver partly to blame?