Drivers told: beware the phantoms

GERMANY: Holiday-makers driving through Germany this summer have been warned to keep watch for "phantom drivers" on the autobahn…

GERMANY: Holiday-makers driving through Germany this summer have been warned to keep watch for "phantom drivers" on the autobahn. The ADAC, Germany's equivalent of the AA, has said foreign drivers are at particular risk from the phenomenon of "phantom drivers" - motorists who drive at full speed down the wrong side of the motorway.

Most cases of phantom drivers arise from motorists not noticing they are travelling in the wrong direction, either after taking a wrong turn or as a result of fatigue.

But the ADAC says there is a growing danger from intentional phantom drivers.

"We have had cases of people driving the wrong way down the shoulder to avoid holiday traffic tailbacks," says Mr Maurer.

Police estimate in addition that one in five phantom drivers wants to commit suicide.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter