Father’s Day in Germany, celebrated on Ascension Day, is known not only for festive outings and social gatherings but also for its troubling record of alcohol-related traffic accidents. According to the Federal Statistical Office, no other day in the year sees as many traffic accidents involving drunk drivers as Father’s Day.
In 2024, a record 287 traffic accidents under the influence of alcohol were reported on Father’s Day alone. This number starkly contrasts with the average daily rate of alcohol-related traffic accidents, which is approximately 95 per day throughout the year. The total number of alcohol-related traffic accidents in Germany for 2024 was around 34,700.
The two previous years also saw alarming figures. In 2023, there were 340 accidents, and in 2022, the number was slightly lower but still high at 319 incidents involving at least one intoxicated person.
The 2024 report highlighted that 204 out of the 287 accidents resulted in injuries. Among these, 58 were serious injuries, and tragically, there was one fatality linked to an alcohol-related traffic accident on Father’s Day.
The Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden also identified other days with increased alcohol-related accidents. Besides Father’s Day and the associated Men’s Day celebrations, New Year’s Day and Labor Day on May 1 regularly see elevated numbers of such incidents, underscoring the correlation between public holidays, alcohol consumption, and traffic accidents.
Father’s Day in Germany, known as Herrentag, is celebrated in Germany on Ascension Day. It is often marked by groups of men taking day-long outings, frequently involving the consumption of large quantities of alcohol. These gatherings contribute to the spike in traffic accidents, as participants often travel by car, sometimes while intoxicated.
In response to these statistics, German authorities typically increase police patrols and sobriety checkpoints during Father’s Day to reduce the risk of accidents. Public awareness campaigns also emphasize the dangers of drunk driving, aiming to encourage safer behavior during this holiday.
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