Drunk bus driver caught in Ruda Śląska with 2.75‰
A drunk bus driver in Ruda Śląska registered 2.75‰ and now faces jail and a long driving ban. Read what expats should know.
A 63-year-old drunk bus driver was stopped in Ruda Śląska after another motorist reported erratic driving. Consequently, police found 2.75 per mille of alcohol on his breath, and the case moved to court immediately.
Drunk bus driver stopped on route 23
On Sunday evening a motorist noticed a bus weaving and drifting onto the hard shoulder. Moreover, that motorist called emergency number 112 and kept police updated on the vehicle’s location. Consequently, officers from the local traffic unit intercepted the bus on Kokota Street. In addition, they tested the driver after they stopped the vehicle. The breathalyser showed 2.75 per mille. Therefore, police arrested the man and took him to the station.
What the court decided
The driver, a 63-year-old Azerbaijani resident of Bytom, had reportedly drunk beer during his shift. Moreover, he had started work before 14:00 after taking over the bus from another driver. Consequently, prosecutors fast-tracked the case to court. The Ruda Śląska district court sentenced him to six months in prison. In addition, the court imposed a six-year driving ban. Therefore, the court ordered payments of PLN 10,000 to the Victim Support Fund and PLN 10,000 to the State Treasury. Moreover, the driver must also cover court costs.
Police review of licence status
Police are also checking whether the driver complied with Polish licence rules. In addition, officers want to know if he exchanged a foreign licence for a Polish one. Moreover, foreigners must exchange their licence within six months of establishing permanent residence. Therefore, failure to exchange can add legal complications. Meanwhile, police investigations continue into both intoxication and potential licence irregularities.
Why this matters to expats
Public transport safety affects everyone in a city. Moreover, expats often rely on buses to commute, and they may not know how the Polish system responds. Consequently, swift reporting to 112 can stop a dangerous vehicle fast. In addition, you should give the dispatcher the vehicle number, route, direction, and precise location. Therefore, keep calm and avoid confrontation with the driver on board. Moreover, if the vehicle has a conductor or onboard staff, tell them about the danger.
Reaction from the vigilant motorist prevented further risk to passengers and other road users. Moreover, the sentence shows that Polish courts treat driving under heavy intoxication very seriously. Consequently, anyone found in similar circumstances faces prison and long bans, plus financial penalties. Therefore, expats using Polish roads should learn local rules and the exchange requirements for licences.
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