Beit Shemesh Ranks 18th in National DUI (driving under influence) Enforcement: A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety

As we enter 2026, new data reveals a sobering reality regarding road safety in Israel. According to a recent report by the Or Yarok association, law enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts to combat driving under the influence (DUI), particularly during the high-risk period surrounding the New Year celebrations.

The Local Impact: While many residents prioritize safety, the statistics show that Beit Shemesh is not immune to the dangers of the road. The city currently ranks 18th in Israel for the number of tickets issued for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with 27 documented cases during the recent enforcement wave.

A Growing Concern for Young Drivers One of the most concerning aspects of the report is the demographic breakdown: Nationally, 31% of all DUI tickets were issued to drivers under the age of 24. This highlights a critical need for increased education and parental guidance within our community to ensure that our young drivers understand that "drinking and driving" is a choice with potentially life-altering consequences.

The report also draws on data from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), noting that alcohol is a factor in approximately 25% of all road fatalities across Europe.

National road safety organization Or Yarok CEO, Yaniv Yaakov, emphasized that the lack of a sufficient police presence on the roads continues to embolden "heavy drinkers" to get behind the wheel, despite the known risks.

Our Commitment to Safety: we urge our readers to plan ahead. If you are celebrating or attending an event, designate a driver or use local transport services.

Let’s work together to move Beit Shemesh down the list of infractions and up the list of Israel's safest cities.

>>Source: Data provided by the Or Yarok Association (January 2026).