Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs on e-scooters: a toxicological perspective of public health and road safety in Leipzig, Germany

BACKGROUND: Since October 2021, it has been possible in Leipzig to rent e-scooters and to participate actively in road traffic. Since then, a large number of traffic offenses has been recorded. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study examines alcohol and drug use among e-scooter riders in Leipzig and the surrounding area - particularly in relation to the new legal regulations. The accidents are analyzed in detail. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of 411 traffic offenses recorded by the police between October 2021 and June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 91.2% men. Of all rides under the influence of intoxicating substances, 65.9% took place in Leipzig. Differentiation of the traffic offenses revealed that 67.2% were administrative traffic offenses (§ 24a German Road Traffic Act, StVG), while 32.8% were criminal traffic offenses (§ 315c and § 316 German Criminal Code, StGB). Cannabis use was predominantly detected in administrative offenses, whereas alcohol consumption played the major role in criminal traffic offenses. Among cannabis users, the majority were non-chronic consumers (79.2%). The main cause of accidents was self-inflicted loss of balance (59.5%; n = 22). Accident consequences were primarily minor injuries (67.6%; n = 25), with injuries occurring mainly to the face (n = 5), head (n = 6), and upper extremities (n = 5). DISCUSSION: These data show that alcohol and cannabis consumption dominate the rising traffic offenses in Leipzig and its surrounding area. The results contain temporal and regional differences which point to distinct target groups and underscore the necessity of providing education regarding the legal framework and the impact of substances on driving and fall competences. In light of these findings, together with data from other regions, a re-evaluation of the statutory THC limit should be considered, as the current threshold primarily results in reduced penalties for occasional users, who may be at higher risk due to a lack of tolerance development. The observed injury patterns suggest an introduction of a helmet requirement.