Rise in the count of gaffers observed within North Rhine-Westphalia
Revised Article:
Staring at traffic accidents is a reckless and life-threatening action. Fresh data reveals an alarming surge in instances of obstructing emergency response in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). NRW's Interior Minister, Herbert Reul, expresses concern over this disregard for human life.
The growing number of investigations against gawkers for hindering emergency response operations reaches 2,880 statewide in 2024, marking a 5.5% increase from the previous year, as per the latest NRW Ministry of Interior's report on June 26, 2025.
Interior Minister's Words:
"" stated NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul. ""
Anyone who films or obstructs the path risks not only endangering lives but also faces up to two years in prison, said the Interior Minister, citing Section 323c of the German Criminal Code that outlines the obligation to provide assistance and avoid obstructing emergency operations.
- Fire Department Demands Driver's License Revocation for Gawkers | more***
Politicians from the Union and at the federal level back the recent demand by the fire brigade for the revocation of driving privileges for rubberneckers at traffic accidents.
The legal expert Johannes Fechner commented: ""
This topic will also be covered in our website's news broadcast on June 26, 2025, at 18:45.
Our sources:
- NRW Ministry of the Interior and Reul in response to our website inquiry
- News agencies epd and AFP
- Subscribe to our website's newsletter for NRW politics | more**
Legal Insights:
- Obstructing rescue and police operations (Section 323c StGB)
- Anyone present at the scene of an accident or emergency is obligated to provide assistance and not hinder or obstruct rescue or police operations. Failure to do so may lead to fines or imprisonment (up to a year or a fine).
- Disturbance of Peace (§ 116 OWiG)
- Disrupting the peace or impeding emergency services/incidents on a municipal level can result in fines under administrative law.
- General Traffic Laws
- Drivers who slow down or stop unnecessarily to watch accidents can be penalized for impeding traffic or causing dangerous situations.
Remember: Section 201a of the German Criminal Code does not directly address "gawking at accidents in traffic." Morbid curiosity turns into a potential threat to everyone's safety. Keep your focus on the road and help maintain a clear path for emergency services.
- The Interior Minister, Herbert Reul, emphasized that anyone who films or obstructs the path during emergency response operations not only endangers lives but could face imprisonment for up to two years, according to Section 323c of the German Criminal Code.
- The recent demand by the fire brigade for the revocation of driving privileges for rubberneckers at traffic accidents has garnered support from politicians at both the Union and federal levels, and this topic is expected to be covered in the news broadcast on June 26, 2025, at 18:45.
