by InTrieste
In the early hours of February 15, as powerful bora winds swept through Trieste, law enforcement officers remained steadfast in their commitment to road safety. A comprehensive series of sobriety checkpoints, ordered by the city’s Police Commissioner, Pietro Ostuni, resulted in the screening of 117 drivers and multiple violations.
Despite the harsh weather, three patrol units from the Trieste Traffic Police Section and an additional patrol from the city’s police headquarters conducted thorough roadside inspections. Their efforts led to the detection of four instances of driving under the influence, with a total of 40 penalty points deducted from offenders’ licenses.
According to authorities, two of the violations involved drivers with blood alcohol levels between 0.51 and 0.8 grams per liter—both a man and a woman. Another violation was recorded for a driver, a woman, who tested between 0.81 and 1.5 grams per liter. The most severe infraction involved a male driver whose blood alcohol concentration exceeded 1.5 grams per liter, a level at which Italian law mandates significant penalties, including license suspension and potential criminal charges.
The crackdown underscores the heightened vigilance of the Trieste Traffic Police in curbing driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. “Our objective is to prevent tragic consequences,” an officer involved in the operation said. “Regular checks serve as a deterrent and reinforce responsible driving behavior.”
Authorities emphasized that consuming alcohol before driving significantly impairs cognitive and motor functions. Medical experts warn that even small amounts of alcohol can cause delayed reactions, impaired depth perception, and a narrowing of the field of vision—all factors that increase the risk of accidents.
Public safety campaigns continue to stress the gravity of the issue, urging drivers to make responsible choices. “Driving is not just a routine activity—it’s a matter of life and death,” the police stated in a public advisory. “If you drink, don’t drive. Ever.”
As Trieste law enforcement ramps up preventive measures, officials reaffirm their commitment to road safety through routine checks and public awareness initiatives. For drivers in the region, the message is clear: violations will not be taken lightly, and the consequences could be severe.
