Schneider opposes the implementation of a 0.0 part per million regulation in public circulation
In a recent development, Germany's Federal Transport Minister, Patrick Schnieder, has shared his thoughts on various aspects related to road safety, including alcohol and cannabis consumption, and speed limits.
Regarding alcohol limits, Minister Schnieder reiterated the current legal blood alcohol limit for most drivers in Germany as up to 0.5‰. He highlighted that this limit is stringent compared to other countries, and for novice drivers and those under 21, there is a zero-tolerance policy, with even slight alcohol consumption punishable by fines and license suspension.
Minister Schnieder also emphasised that taking a sip of alcohol at social events does not necessarily endanger road traffic, and he personally drives an electric car privately in his home region, the Eifel. However, he strongly advises against driving with any alcohol, stating that the current limit is adequate and effective.
On the topic of cannabis use, Minister Schnieder expressed his scepticism about the substance, but acknowledged that Germany has set a legal THC limit for driving at 3.5 ng/ml of active THC in the blood. Drivers with levels above this may face fines, license suspension, or an MPU.
Interestingly, Minister Schnieder does not consider a speed limit necessary on German motorways, citing the presence of many speed limits, construction sites, and traffic jams in the country. He also mentioned that the average speed on motorways is not as high as one might think, with an average of 115 kilometers per hour.
However, the minister is cautious about the effect of cannabis on traffic and stated that he plans to examine this issue during the current legislative period.
Older people, according to the Federal Statistical Office in 2023, are less likely to be involved in traffic accidents compared to their share of the total population. This could be due to the fact that older people are less likely to drive to work.
In the event of a traffic accident with personal injury, seniors are often found to be mainly at fault, especially if they are over 75 years old, according to the same report. However, Minister Schnieder believes that the very young pose a greater risk on the roads compared to seniors.
In summary, Germany maintains strict alcohol and cannabis driving limits, with up to 0.5‰ for most drivers, a zero-tolerance policy for novice and under-21 drivers, and a 3.5 ng/ml THC limit for cannabis use. Minister Schnieder is critical of cannabis and drives without alcohol, but he does not consider a speed limit necessary on German motorways. He will not lower the limit for alcohol while driving to 0.0‰.
In the science of transportation, Germany maintains a stringent approach towards road safety, particularly regulating alcohol and cannabis use. The finance industry might be involved in issuing fines for those who exceed the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.5‰ or violate the zero-tolerance policy for novice and underage drivers. The health-and-wellness industry could also benefit from reducing alcohol consumption and cannabis use among drivers, as both substances may impact road safety. The transportation industry might, therefore, collaborate with these sectors to promote safe driving practices.
