Austrian doctor forgot to drive on the left before head-on collision in Cork
The court was told that when visiting Ireland Mr Volc usually drove a right-hand-drive vehicle but on this occasion he was driving a left-hand-drive car which may have contributed to his error. File picture
An Austrian doctor who was on holidays in Ireland forgot to drive on the left-hand side of the road before crashing head-on into another motorist, a district court in Cork has heard.
Court presenter, Sergeant Eimear O’Connell, told Bandon District Court that an accident occurred at Kilmacsimon near Bandon, Co Cork on June 7, 2025.
Two cars were involved in a head-on collision one of which was being driven by Dieter Volc, aged 72, of Lederergasse, Vienna, Austria.
When gardaí arrived on the scene the female driver of the other car involved had a bloody nose and the airbag in her vehicle had deployed. The court was told the woman did not sustain any long-term injuries.
Defence solicitor, Éamonn Fleming, said that Mr Volc was a doctor from Austria who was on holidays in Ireland at the time and had only arrived in the country the day before.
The court was told that when visiting Ireland Mr Volc usually drove a right-hand-drive vehicle but on this occasion he was driving a left-hand-drive car which may have contributed to his error.
Mr Fleming said that his client fully admitted liability and had no previous convictions. He added that Mr Volc was tested and was found not to be under the influence of any intoxicants.
He asked the court to consider reducing the charge from one of dangerous driving to that of the lesser charge of careless driving.
Judge Joanne Carroll said it was “an unfortunate incident” and said that Mr Volc had behaved honourably in the circumstances, was fully insured and stayed at the accident scene.
She agreed to reduce the charge to one of careless driving, convicted Mr Volc and fined him €300 allowing three months to pay.
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