Friday Night in Latvia: 17 Drivers Decided the Road is Their Personal Disco

The State Police proved on Friday that statistics is an exact science — 17 vehicle drivers across Latvia simultaneously decided that traffic rules are merely suggestions, and alcohol is the best navigator. Kurzeme, of course, was the most civilized with only one intoxicated driver, which again proves that we have style here even when we shouldn't.

The Riga region, as always, tried to dominate with six candidates for the Darwin Award, while Latgale with its four heroically fought for second place. Zemgale and Vidzeme with three each proved that even smaller regions can have big ambitions. As local Karosta canal bridge operator Valdis says: 'We see people crossing the bridge every day here — some with cars, some on foot, but these 17 apparently with imagination.'

Special mention goes to one drug user who decided that reality is too boring to experience sober. Police responded with 12 criminal proceedings and confiscation of two cars, which is like a Christmas gift to the state — new vehicles for service needs.

A total of 672 traffic violations were recorded, of which 276 were for speeding. This means 276 drivers thought they were 'Fast and Furious' but turned out to be just furious. One was even caught for aggressive driving, which in Liepāja would just be a normal Friday evening drive home from work when everyone's rushing to the beach before sunset.