Switzerland is more than the country of fine chocolate and even finer watches. It’s probably the most serious European country in terms of motoring violations. Despite the writing on the wall, the owner of a 510 PS (503 horsepower) car thought that it would be a great idea to step into the driver’s seat while under the influence.
See the badly damaged Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio in the picture above? According to the Kantonspolizei Aargau, the car was crashed into a bridge wall. One made from concrete, to be more precise. The police reports the driver, aged 46, lost control of his car at 11:30 PM local time on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. Fortunately for him, he managed to walk away.
He didn’t go far, though. Escorted by the police to the nearest hospital, there he underwent a blood test. Unsurprisingly, the result showed a BAC figure of 0.05 percent or 0.50 mg per liter. Hence, the offender had to hand over his license to the Canton of Aargau. In Italy, which is the driver’s country of origin and residence, that blood alcohol concentration equates to a €500 to €2000 fine and a suspended license for anything between three to six months.
But this being Switzerland, the law says the offender is also responsible for the investigation and administrative costs incurred. With property damage estimated at approximately 40,000 Swiss francs (€37,150 or $39,550 at current exchange rates), it’s a given that the intoxicated driver regrets his decision to get behind the wheel after one too many glasses of wine.
In all honesty, it’s not the car’s fault. As long as you stay away from Race mode, the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio isn't a scary car to drive. Far from scary, I would add. When all is said and done, though, it’s not pretty to see a Giulia Quadrifoglio in this sorry state. But hey, even Alfa's test drivers at the Cassino plant in Italy can get it wrong sometimes with the Giulia Q.
He didn’t go far, though. Escorted by the police to the nearest hospital, there he underwent a blood test. Unsurprisingly, the result showed a BAC figure of 0.05 percent or 0.50 mg per liter. Hence, the offender had to hand over his license to the Canton of Aargau. In Italy, which is the driver’s country of origin and residence, that blood alcohol concentration equates to a €500 to €2000 fine and a suspended license for anything between three to six months.
But this being Switzerland, the law says the offender is also responsible for the investigation and administrative costs incurred. With property damage estimated at approximately 40,000 Swiss francs (€37,150 or $39,550 at current exchange rates), it’s a given that the intoxicated driver regrets his decision to get behind the wheel after one too many glasses of wine.
In all honesty, it’s not the car’s fault. As long as you stay away from Race mode, the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio isn't a scary car to drive. Far from scary, I would add. When all is said and done, though, it’s not pretty to see a Giulia Quadrifoglio in this sorry state. But hey, even Alfa's test drivers at the Cassino plant in Italy can get it wrong sometimes with the Giulia Q.