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3 clusters · 19 sources · 19 days · First seen · Last updated

DUI enforcement and traffic safety incidents in Greece

Overview

In Greece and Cyprus, drivers have attempted to use various methods to circumvent police breathalyzer tests, such as consuming coffee, mint gum, onions, or vinegar. However, scientific studies and law enforcement agencies have clarified that these methods are ineffective because modern devices measure ethanol levels in exhaled air rather than scent.

During recent traffic enforcement operations in the Attica region, authorities recorded a record-breaking blood alcohol level of 2.78 mg/l in a driver near Loutraki. The individual was arrested and faced a 1,200 euro fine and a six-month license suspension. Between August 7 and August 10, 2026, police conducted 1,300 inspections in the Loutraki and Agioi Theodoroi areas, resulting in 161 total violations, including 13 instances of driving under the influence.

Investigations continue regarding a dangerous incident near Plastira Lake involving a tanker truck. A viral video captured by a 25-year-old motorcyclist, who was recording footage for his YouTube channel, showed the heavy vehicle attempting to overtake on a blind curve and entering the oncoming lane. The motorcyclist narrowly avoided a head-on collision, noting that the lack of road space would have made a crash unavoidable in a car. Following an investigation by the Attica Traffic Police, the driver was identified through his employer and brought to the Thessaloniki Traffic Police Directorate. The driver faces charges for dangerous driving under Article 290A of the Penal Code and various violations of the Road Traffic Code.

Other reported incidents include a seven-car multi-vehicle collision on Crete’s Northern Boulevard and a vehicle immobilization on Athens-Sunion Avenue. In Cyprus, a quad bike accident at Cape Greco resulted in a 22-year-old woman suffering a spinal fracture.

Entities

Plastira Lake · Attica Traffic Police · Agia Napa · Thessaloniki Traffic Police Directorate · Lake Plastira

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. 29 days ago

    [CRIME] 9 sources
    Plastiras Lake: Tanker driver detained after near-collision with motorcyclist

    A tanker driver faces charges for dangerous driving after nearly colliding with a motorcyclist near Plastiras Lake, an incident captured on a helmet camera.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 13 sources
    Lake Plastira tanker driver identified after near-collision with motorcyclist

    Greek authorities identified a tanker driver after a video showed him nearly colliding with a motorcyclist near Lake Plastira. The driver faces charges for dangerous driving.

  3. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Greek and Cypriot drivers' breathalyzer tricks proved ineffective

    Common myths about cheating police breathalyzers—coffee, gum, onions, breath‑holding—are debunked; modern devices measure ethanol, making such tricks ineffective in Greece and Cyprus.

Sources

archive.in.gr · cyclades24.gr · dikaiologitika.gr · ethnos.gr · iefimerida.gr · ieidiseis.gr · lawandorder.gr · lykavitos.gr · madata.gr · megatv.com · newsbomb.gr · paraskhnio.gr · reader.gr · seleo.gr · tastv.gr · thepressroom.gr · thessnews.gr · tromaktiko.gr · tvxs.gr

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history