Rise in Road Accident Fatalities, According to Dekra's Analysis
In a bid to address the rising number of traffic-related incidents, including 55 fatalities so far this year, Berlin is taking significant steps to improve road safety and reduce accidents. The city is considering the establishment of a large car-free zone, covering the area bounded by the 22-mile Ringbahn, in an effort to promote safety, climate protection, and health.
Residents would be allowed to use private automobiles only 12 times per year, with exemptions for people with disabilities, delivery vans, and other service vehicles. By creating car-free zones, Berlin aims to encourage the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking, which are generally safer and more environmentally friendly options.
The Berlin Constitutional Court has supported the "Berlin car-free" referendum initiative, providing legal backing for these measures. This is crucial for implementing and enforcing the proposed changes effectively. The black-red Berlin Senate has set an ambitious goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities in the future, although Berlin is currently far from achieving the goal of "Vision Zero", which aims for no more traffic fatalities.
The "Traffic Safety Report 2025" was recently presented by Mario Schwarz, who emphasized that in Berlin, where everyone is faster, accidents happen more often. Schwarz, of the German testing organization Dekra, also called for more caution, considerate, and careful driving in Berlin. He added that there is too much aggression on the city's streets.
In contrast, the number of traffic fatalities in Berlin was at a historic low of 33 in 2024. However, the following year, the number of traffic fatalities has risen again, with 55 deaths reported so far. Despite this increase, the Berlin state government continues to stand by its concept.
Notably, a child is among the 55 traffic fatalities reported this year. This tragic statistic underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. As efforts to improve road safety continue, it is hoped that Berlin can bring down the number of traffic fatalities and make its streets safer for all.
Meanwhile, the neighboring state of Brandenburg has seen an increase in traffic fatalities, with 114 fatalities in 2024, compared to 108 in 2023. This serves as a reminder that addressing traffic safety is a shared responsibility and that efforts to improve road safety should extend beyond Berlin's borders.
The Berlin Constitutional Court's support for the "Berlin car-free" referendum initiative will aid in implementing measures to eliminate traffic fatalities, as Berlin aims to reduce accidents and achieves a more substantial focus on general-news topics like crime-and-justice and politics, including a child among the 55 traffic fatalities reported this year, underscoring the urgency for immediate action. Meanwhile, neighboring Brandenburg's increase in traffic fatalities to 114 in 2024 serves as a reminder that addressing road safety should encompass broader regions.
