A drunken local man with a car crossed the road of a cyclist

A drunk homeowner struck a cyclist with his car near Koper, Slovenia, causing serious injuries to the cyclist. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon around 5 p.m. in Prisojah, close to the border with Croatia. According to police reports, the collision happened at a crossroads under a garage house, where the driver turned left into the path of the cyclist. The cyclist was thrown against the windshield of the car before falling to the ground. The cyclist, identified as a 72-year-old man, suffered severe injuries in the crash and was taken to the Isola Hospital for treatment. Emergency responders, including firefighters from Koper, assisted at the scene alongside police officers. The driver of the vehicle, a 62-year-old local resident, was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.98 milligrams per liter of exhaled air, equivalent to two promille, based on an initial breathalyzer test conducted by police. This reading suggests the driver was significantly impaired at the time of the accident. Police confirmed that both the cyclist and the driver underwent medical examinations. Authorities are investigating whether the driver committed the offense of dangerous driving due to intoxication. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as more evidence is collected. The police have launched formal proceedings against the driver for potential violations related to drunk driving. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the dangers of drinking and driving. Local authorities have reiterated their warnings about the risks associated with alcohol consumption while operating vehicles. The area where the accident took place is known for its residential character, with narrow streets and limited visibility, factors that could have contributed to the severity of the collision. Witnesses at the scene described the moment of impact as sudden and chaotic. One neighbor mentioned that the sound of the crash was loud enough to draw attention from nearby homes. Another witness noted that the cyclist had been riding slowly down the hill, possibly unaware of the approaching vehicle. The exact sequence of events leading up to the collision is still being reconstructed by investigators. The driver’s legal status and prior record were not immediately disclosed. However, police emphasized that the high level of intoxication detected during the breath test would likely play a central role in determining the charges brought against him. If convicted, the driver could face significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment depending on the court's decision. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, ensuring the injured cyclist received immediate care. The cyclist remained hospitalized for observation, though his condition has not yet been fully detailed. Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, as they continue to gather all available data to build a complete picture of the event. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges, such as reckless endangerment or failure to comply with traffic regulations. The case will be reviewed by prosecutors to determine the appropriate course of action. In the meantime, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of the accident, which serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving.