During the latest school year, an astounding 3,485 traffic law infractions were spotted around educational establishments in Saxony. This number is not too far off from the previous year's statistics, reported by the Interior Ministry.
An astonishing 67% of the inspected vehicles were caught exceeding the speed limit. Furthermore, police encountered 109 instances where the child seat belt regulations were disregarded in cars.
Between August 5 and August 23, a whopping 1,394 traffic control checkpoints were set up throughout Saxony, mainly near elementary schools. This initiative by the Saxon police and the Saxon Transport Association is geared towards ensuring the safety of schoolchildren.
Unfortunately, one out of every five traffic accidents involves young individuals. In 2023, a total of 188 lives were lost, and 3,411 were severely injured in trafffic collisions within the state. The first half of 2024 already saw 74 fatalities, 1,723 serious injuries, and 6,388 minor injuries due to such accidents. Approximately one out of every five pedestrian accidents involves juveniles.
The local authorities in Dresden are particularly concerned about the high number of traffic rule violations happening near elementary schools. Despite numerous traffic control checkpoints in Dresden, some violations were still reported around these educational institutions.
Worth Noting:
- Understanding Local Enforcement: Traffic enforcement in Germany is mainly handled by state highway patrols. They monitor traffic using unmarked cars and motorcycles equipped with video cameras.
- Hamburg Police Practices: The Hamburg Police, part of the state of Hamburg, has a comprehensive traffic control system. They focus on maintaining public security, rendering assistance, and providing information.
- General Traffic Laws: Specific speed limits are imposed on certain vehicles in Germany. Additional advisory speed limits, like the 130 km/h, aren't enforceable but can influence driving behavior.
It's crucial for parents of first-graders to accompany their children while exploring their school route and recognizing potential hazards. Local law enforcement urges this to keep children safe.
