Driving in Germany is becoming an increasingly tense experience for many, as a rising number of drivers report feeling overwhelmed and aggressive on the road, according to recent findings. This shift in attitude was highlighted in a survey conducted by Unfallforschung der Versicherer (UDV) in Berlin.
The study revealed that half of the surveyed drivers have had to react swiftly in response to incidents before, a figure that has significantly increased since 2016. Moreover, one in five drivers has resorted to flashing their headlights in the overtaking lane to escape trouble, a practice that was scarcely used previously.
UDV director Siegfried Brockmann emphasized that the casual disregard for the safety and well-being of others is unacceptable, under any circumstances. He called for a collective dialogue among drivers to find ways to improve the road safety situation, given these survey results.
Interestingly, while most road users consider aggression to be a serious issue, a large majority fails to acknowledge their own role in creating such a hostile environment. For instance, 96% of car drivers claimed to overtake cyclists at a safe distance, but they perceive the same behavior in 93% of other motorists. The perception gap between self-perception and the perception of others is alarming.
Despite this aggressive trend, a majority of German road users still feel safe or very safe on the roads, with a slight increase in those who feel safe since 2019. However, this perception is significantly skewed by gender, as men are far more likely to feel safe compared to women.
Among the measures proposed to improve road safety, a zero alcohol limit and mandatory eye tests for drivers over 65 years old were the most popular suggestions. Interestingly, while a substantial number of drivers support strict alcohol policies, many drivers continue to drive under the influence, as indicated by an increase in the use of headlight flasher by intoxicated drivers.
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While the study does not delve into the reasons behind the perceived aggression, various factors have contributed to this issue in Germany. For instance, the rise of far-right extremism in German society has been linked to an increase in aggressive driving behavior, as documented by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). Additionally, the relaxation of traffic laws and the proliferation of aggressive advertising have potentially contributed to a shift in driving culture.
There have also been calls to address the issue of cannabis use and driving, following the discovery of a significant number of drivers who have tested positive for THC (the psychoactive substance in cannabis) despite having no recollection of consuming the drug. This has raised concerns about the impact of cannabis on road safety and has prompted discussions about revising the THC blood serum limit.
In conclusion, the Unfallforschung der Versicherer (UDV) survey reveals a deteriorating driving culture in Germany, where an increasing number of drivers are feeling aggressive and unsafe on the roads. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that accounts for a range of factors, from gender dynamics to the influence of extremism and drug use.
