Slovenia reports rise in fatal traffic accidents linked to drunk and drug‑impaired driving

Slovenian traffic authorities say that while the total number of accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol fell by about 12% in the first five months of 2024, fatalities rose. From January to 31 May there were 493 alcohol‑related crashes and 11 deaths, compared with five deaths in the same period last year. The average blood‑alcohol level of offending drivers was 1.41 ‰, up from 1.37 ‰ the previous year. Police performed 164,896 breath‑alcohol tests, 3,479 of which were positive and 116 drivers refused testing.

Drivers under the influence of drugs were involved in 29 crashes, one of which was fatal. In 2023 drug‑impaired drivers caused 84 accidents (0.8% of all crashes) and were responsible for 7% of fatal outcomes. Drug‑testing units carried out 790 examinations, 97 returned positive results and 415 refusals.

The agency highlighted Slovenia’s high per‑capita alcohol consumption—10 litres of pure alcohol per adult over 15, above the EU average—and launched a nationwide “Safe without alcohol and drugs” campaign with intensified roadside checks and awareness programs.