Tom Waes Sentenced in Drunk Driving Case: A History of Traffic violations
Antwerp,Belgium – Tom Waes,56,a Belgian television personality,has been sentenced by the Antwerp police court following a serious drunk driving incident in late November 2024 [1].
The Sentence
On Monday, the court handed down a three-month driving ban (one month suspended), a one-year alcohol lock, and a fine of 2,560 euros. Waes must also retake his driving exams,including psychological,medical,theoretical,and practical tests,before his license is reinstated.
- driving Ban: Three months (one month suspended)
- Alcohol Lock: One year
- Fine: 2,560 euros
- Re-examination: Psychological, medical, theoretical, and practical driving tests
The Incident
The incident occurred on the night of Nov. 29-30, 2024, when Waes crashed his vintage Porsche into a crash absorber at the entrance of the Kennedytunnel after an evening out in Antwerp South [2]. He was driving without a seatbelt. Waes sustained serious injuries,including a head wound,broken ribs,and a broken hip [3]. The driver of the crash absorber suffered minor injuries.
Tom Waes had a blood alcohol level of 2.44 promille, equivalent to approximately 14 alcoholic drinks, which is five times over the legal limit [2].
The Public Prosecution Service described the impact as huge,
noting that Waes had to be released from the wreck and was taken to the hospital in danger.
The judge characterized his behavior as almost suicidal and murderous,
adding, There could have been killing here.
A History of violations
The court emphasized that Waes had not learned from past mistakes. He was previously convicted in 2005 for driving under the influence and refusing to take a breath test. The current verdict reveals a pattern of ten traffic violations.
- 2005: Driving under the influence, refusal to take a breath test
- 2022: Speeding in road works on the E40 at Aalter
- Total Convictions: Ten traffic violations
The judge’s decision to impose a minimum three-month driving ban, along with mandatory recovery exams, was influenced by a 2022 speeding violation.This penalty is legally required for individuals with two major traffic offenses within three years.
Court Proceedings and Aftermath
Waes was not present in court. His lawyer, August Blomme, has not yet commented. Though,Waes announced thru his management that he would accept the sentence and forgo an appeal.
Waes must also provide financial compensation to an association supporting traffic victims.
In a statement released shortly after the November accident through his employer, VRT, Waes admitted to driving under the influence and expressed remorse.
The fact is that I went to a restaurant and café that evening,and that I had drunk too much to be allowed to drive the car. Yet I got into my car to get home. Incomprehensible. I should never have done that, there is no doubt about that. I realise that I had great luck.
Tom Waes
The case has reignited debates about zero tolerance for alcohol in traffic. The VIAS Traffic Institute noted that approximately eleven similar accidents occur daily.
FAQ: tom Waes Drunk Driving case
- What was Tom Waes convicted of?
- Driving under the influence, resulting in a serious accident.
- What was his blood alcohol level?
- 2.44 promille, five times the legal limit.
- What is his sentence?
- Three-month driving ban (one month suspended), one-year alcohol lock, 2,560 euro fine, and re-examination of driving tests.
- Will he appeal the sentence?
- No, he has announced he will accept the sentence.
