A severely intoxicated driver traveled the wrong direction on the E39 motorway in Northern Jutland during the early hours of Sunday morning. Police officials confirmed the dangerous incident occurred between 1:01 AM and 1:18 AM.
The driver first appeared near the VrĂĄ exit heading southbound in northbound lanes. Multiple police patrols responded to emergency calls about the wrong-way vehicle. Officers ultimately stopped the driver just before the Vestbjerg exit.
Morten Axelsen, the police duty officer for North Jutland Police, provided details about the incident. "We received a report about a wrong-way driver and dispatched patrols immediately," Axelsen stated. "We managed to stop him near the Vestbjerg exit without any accidents occurring."
The male driver, described as in his mid-twenties, traveled an undetermined distance along the E39 motorway during the 17-minute incident. Police closed lanes at the Vestbjerg exit to safely intercept the vehicle. The driver essentially coasted directly into waiting police officers.
Authorities immediately detected signs of alcohol impairment during their initial contact. "When we approached the driver, we could confirm he was under the influence of alcohol," Axelsen explained. "His breath test showed alcohol levels above the legal limit."
Police transported the driver for blood alcohol testing and impounded his vehicle for reckless driving. The driver declined to challenge the vehicle seizure in court. He now faces license revocation and potential penalties ranging from substantial fines to prison time.
North Jutland Police are seeking additional witnesses who encountered the wrong-way driver. "If anyone was on the motorway and had to take evasive action, we want to hear from them at 114," Axelsen said.
This incident highlights Denmark's strict approach to impaired driving. Danish traffic laws impose severe consequences for drunk driving offenses, particularly those endangering public safety. Vehicle confiscation represents a standard measure for serious traffic violations.
Wrong-way driving incidents remain relatively rare on Danish motorways but pose extreme danger when they occur. The E39 motorway serves as a major transportation corridor through Northern Jutland, carrying substantial traffic even during overnight hours.
Danish authorities have invested in wrong-way detection technology on some highways, though it remains unclear if such systems were operational on this section of the E39. The quick police response likely prevented more serious consequences.
International drivers should note that Denmark maintains a 0.05% blood alcohol limit for most drivers and zero tolerance for commercial drivers and those under 18. Penalties escalate sharply for higher alcohol levels and dangerous driving behavior.