Tom Waes, a prominent Belgian television presenter, faced the Antwerp police court on May 5, 2025, due to a serious car accident he caused while driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident, which occurred in late November 2024, has led to multiple charges against Waes, who was found to have 2.44 promille of alcohol in his blood—equivalent to fourteen alcoholic drinks.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has summoned Waes for four criminal offenses: unintentionally causing injury, hitting a foreseeable obstacle, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving under the influence of alcohol. The charges stem from an accident in which Waes crashed his vintage Porsche 911 into an arrow truck near the Kennedytunnel in Antwerp. The driver of the arrow truck sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision.
According to the OM, Waes risks a prison sentence ranging from eight days to one year and/or a fine between 400 euros and 8,000 euros for unintentionally causing injury. In addition, he could face a driving ban of eight days to five years for hitting the arrow truck and failing to wear a seatbelt. Furthermore, Waes may incur another fine ranging from 1,600 euros to 16,000 euros, and be required to install an alcohol lock on his vehicle, which would prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected.
During the hearing, Waes and his lawyer were the first to present their case regarding the damages claimed by the victim. Following this, the defense phase will take place. The final verdict is expected to be delivered on May 26, 2025.
The OM highlighted "aggravating circumstances" in Waes' case, citing a history of previous offenses, including speeding. Notably, Waes was arrested two decades ago for similar infractions, including driving under the influence of alcohol. His lawyer has requested that any driving ban be suspended, emphasizing that Waes requires his driver's license for work purposes. The lawyer also argued that Waes does not have a drinking problem.
When questioned by the judge about his decision to drive intoxicated, Waes admitted, "I don’t think I was fully aware of what I was doing." This acknowledgment reflects a troubling recognition of the risks associated with impaired driving.
The accident occurred during the night of November 29 to 30, 2024, when Waes crashed into the arrow truck while reportedly under the influence. The presenter suffered severe injuries in the accident, including a head wound, broken ribs, and a broken hip. He has since shared that the incident left a profound impact on him.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the broader issue of road safety and the consequences of driving under the influence. The laws in Belgium, similar to those in many countries, stipulate a maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.5 promille for drivers. Waes' level significantly exceeded this limit, raising serious concerns about public safety.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with drunk driving. The legal proceedings against Waes will not only determine his fate but also serve as a cautionary tale for others. The potential penalties he faces reflect the seriousness of the charges and the importance of adhering to traffic laws.
As the public awaits the court's final decision, Waes has returned to work, attempting to move past the traumatic experience. Earlier this year, he publicly reflected on the accident, stating that it had left a lasting impression on him. His experience may resonate with many who have faced similar situations, prompting discussions about responsible drinking and driving.
The upcoming verdict will be closely monitored, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The balance between personal accountability and the legal system's response to such incidents remains a critical aspect of the ongoing dialogue surrounding alcohol consumption and road safety.
