Summer Safety Awareness in Kaiserslautern
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – As summer activities ramp up, including the start of soccer season, many are enjoying time out with friends at various bars and restaurants. While summer drinking can be refreshing, prioritizing safety and ensuring no one drives under the influence is essential for a fun and secure season.
Collaboration for Awareness
The 21st Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs Office, together with the 21st TSC Bundeswehr Liaisons, American Forces Network Europe, and Polizei Kaiserslautern, has partnered to inform Soldiers, families, civilians, and local-national employees about the risks and legal implications of riding e-scooters while intoxicated.
Increase in DUIs During Summer
“With sunny weather, people tend to party and enjoy themselves, leading to an uptick in DUIs,” noted Kai Fauss, police commissioner of Polizeipraesidium Westpfalz. “This impact is felt not just among Americans but also Germans, although there are notably many DUIs among Americans.”
Understanding DUI Regulations
Many may not realize that drunken driving extends beyond cars; in Germany, e-scooters are classified as motorized vehicles, thus subjecting riders to the same DUI laws. “The same DUI laws that apply to cars also apply to e-scooters,” emphasized Yon Degen, police commissioner.
Consequences of E-Scooter DUI
According to German law, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .05 can lead to a DUI when operating an e-scooter. Offenses can be classified as administrative or criminal depending on age and BAC. A non-criminal offense is incurred with a BAC between .05 and 1.1, while exceeding 1.1 is treated as a criminal matter. Penalties contribute to fines, point deductions, and even potential jail time.
Strengthening Community Ties
This initial meeting is only the beginning of ongoing collaboration to address community issues. “Working closely with the Kaiserslautern Polizei allows us to educate our American military community while building strong relationships with our local partners,” stated Command Sgt. Major Kofie Primus from the 21st TSC.
Safe Transportation Resources
The organizations will convene quarterly to tackle community matters and create outreach content that bridges cultural gaps. For those who find themselves needing a ride home after drinking, Soldiers can utilize the Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving (AADD) program—a service that offers free rides in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. AADD operates weekends from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and can be reached at +49 152-5172-3356.
