"Road Safety Awareness Event"
In the heart of Pforzheim, the focus of the recent action day was the Fritz-Erler-School area, where the Municipal Enforcement Service (GVD) and other authorities joined forces to promote safety in road traffic.
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the fifth nationwide action day "sicher.mobil.leben" took place. The event aimed to appeal to all road users for more attentiveness and mutual consideration, key elements in ensuring safety for everyone involved.
During the action day, a total of 900 road users were checked at 23 control points. The enforcement service reported 482 violations of applicable traffic regulations, 30 of which were for disregarding the seat belt obligation. However, no specific violations related to seat belts, mobile phone usage, or child safety were mentioned in the area of the Fritz-Erler-School.
The action day saw a particular focus on parking offences, with violations recorded for parking on sidewalks, bike paths, in second row, and in parking ban zones. In 19 cases, children were not properly secured. Around 30 road users were reported for using a mobile phone during driving.
Mayor and Head of the Ordnance Department Dirk Büscher emphasized the importance of mutual consideration and responsibility for all road users. He stated, "Mutual consideration, especially for the weaker ones, is expected from all road users."
The action day was part of a broader initiative to improve road safety, an area where Germany has made significant strides. As of 2025, seat belt compliance in Germany remains very high, supported by mandatory seat belt laws and widespread enforcement. Since the 1970s, seat belt compliance and the use of child restraint systems have contributed significantly to the decline in road fatalities across the EU.
Technological advances, such as seat belt detection systems and driver assistance technologies, are driving market growth worldwide, including in Europe. These systems enhance compliance by alerting to unbuckled seat belts and integrate into vehicles increasingly, supporting road safety.
However, emerging challenges include potential regulatory rollbacks linked to recent EU-US trade agreements that could weaken safety standards, such as seat belt reminders and emergency braking, potentially affecting future safety in Germany and Europe unless opposed by policymakers.
Despite these challenges, the ongoing focus on road safety and mutual consideration among road users remains crucial in preventing tragic accidents and ensuring a safer journey for all. The action day in Pforzheim serves as a reminder of the importance of these efforts and the ongoing commitment to road safety in Germany.
- Despite the focus on parking offenses and mobile phone usage during the action day, no specific violations related to seat belts were reported in the Fritz-Erler-School area, where sports activities often take place.
- On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the fifth nationwide action day promoted safety not only in road traffic but also in sports, as seat belt compliance and child safety are essential elements in ensuring safety for all involved.
