Police arrest suspected drunk driver in downtown Athens

A drunk driving incident in downtown Athens resulted in significant property damage and the arrest of a 36-year-old woman who crashed into multiple parked vehicles early Tuesday morning. The collision occurred in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood, where authorities say the motorist was driving with blood alcohol levels exceeding three times Greece’s legal limit.

According to police reports, the woman was apprehended at the intersection of Kleomenous and Xanthippou streets after her vehicle struck a parked car. The initial impact triggered a chain-reaction crash that damaged a total of five vehicles in the area.

Blood Alcohol Levels Far Exceed Legal Threshold

Traffic police officers who arrived at the scene administered standard breath tests to the driver. The tests revealed alarming results, measuring 0.78 and 0.83 milligrams of alcohol per liter of air, authorities said. These readings represent more than three times the legal alcohol limit permitted for drivers in Greece.

The legal threshold for drunk driving in Greece is set at 0.25 milligrams of alcohol per liter of breath. Drivers found exceeding this limit face serious legal consequences, including criminal charges and potential license suspension.

Chain-Reaction Collision Damages Multiple Vehicles

The incident unfolded when the woman’s vehicle collided with a parked car, creating a domino effect that impacted four additional vehicles parked along the street. The force of the initial collision was sufficient to push the first vehicle into others, resulting in widespread property damage throughout the block.

No injuries were reported in connection with the drunk driving crash, as all affected vehicles were parked and unoccupied at the time of the collision. However, the five vehicle owners now face repair costs and insurance claims as a result of the incident.

Legal Consequences for Impaired Driving in Athens

Following her arrest, prosecutors filed formal charges against the 36-year-old woman for dangerous driving and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The charges reflect the severity of drunk driving offenses under Greek traffic law, particularly when property damage occurs.

The suspect was taken into custody immediately following her arrest and processing. Authorities indicated she would face summary court proceedings to address the charges brought against her.

Growing Concerns About Road Safety

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving in Greek urban centers, where drunk driving remains a persistent public safety issue. Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and breath testing operations in recent years to combat the problem.

Additionally, Greek authorities have implemented stricter penalties for drunk driving offenses, including higher fines, license suspensions, and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders or cases involving accidents. The combination of education campaigns and enhanced enforcement aims to reduce alcohol-related traffic incidents.

Meanwhile, the Kolonaki neighborhood where the crash occurred is known for its narrow streets and high density of parked vehicles, making it particularly vulnerable to chain-reaction collisions when accidents occur. The area’s nightlife and restaurant scene also contribute to elevated risks during evening and early morning hours.

The woman is expected to appear before a court in the coming days to answer to the charges of dangerous and drunk driving. The exact timing of her court appearance and potential penalties she may face have not been confirmed by authorities.