The driver of the other vehicle crashed into a tree after colliding with the car driven by a drunk driver and died at the scene. Rescue efforts involved both fire rescuers and medics. A passenger of the drunk driver also suffered injuries. As yet, there are no reports that a man who was driving under the influence was injured.
"Initial information suggests the driver of the Mercedes-Benz car was under the influence of alcohol slightly above one promille of blood alcohol. Criminal proceedings have been initiated in relation to what happened and the exact circumstances of what happened are clarified,” said Gita Gžibovska, senior specialist in the public relations division of the State Police.
If the investigation proves that the lethal accident was caused by a drunk driver, then the potential punishment is imprisonment of between three and ten years.
Since November last year, driving under heavy intoxication in Latvia has been criminalized and cars can be seized or their value recovered. Despite this, statistics show that many still sit behind the wheel while drunk, so even harsher penalties are currently discussed to tackle the issue.
