Schnieder Opposes 0.0 Promille Limit for Drivers in Germany

The discussion surrounding blood alcohol limits for drivers in Germany continues, with the newly appointed Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, expressing his stance against lowering the legal limit to 0.0 promille. Schnieder, representing the CDU, stated that while he advises abstaining from alcohol while driving, he believes the current limit of 0.5 promille is sufficient and effective.

In his comments to the Funke Mediengruppe, Schnieder noted that many social occasions involve moderate alcohol consumption, which does not necessarily compromise road safety. He emphasized the importance of context in assessing driving behavior related to alcohol consumption.

However, Schnieder does express concern over another substance: cannabis. He described the effects of cannabis on driving as unpredictable, indicating that this issue warrants careful examination during the current legislative term.

In addition to his views on alcohol and cannabis, Schnieder also addressed the topic of speed limits on highways. He argued against the need for a blanket speed limit, citing that the average speed on German highways is below 115 kilometers per hour. With existing speed limits, construction zones, and traffic jams, he asserted that there are limited stretches of road where high speeds can be safely achieved.

Furthermore, the minister expressed skepticism regarding mandatory driving tests for senior citizens. He pointed out that, statistically, older drivers are not a significant risk on the roads compared to younger drivers, who statistically are more likely to cause accidents.

The Federal Statistical Office's data from 2023 revealed that while older adults are involved in fewer accidents due to their lower presence on the roads, when they do get into accidents, particularly those over 75, they are often found to bear a greater share of the blame.

As discussions about road safety and regulations continue, Schnieder's comments indicate a focus on balancing public safety with personal freedoms and societal norms regarding alcohol consumption.