Traffic authorities are removing speed humps from the roadways.
Speeding Remains a Major Cause of Traffic Accidents in Germany
Speeding remains the primary cause of traffic accidents in Germany, particularly on highways, according to recent data. The German Federal Highway Research Institute reported that excessive or inappropriate speed accounted for 30% of fatal accidents last year.
The dangers of speeding are evident, with studies showing that reducing speeds decreases both the frequency and severity of crashes. A 1% increase in average traffic speed raises injury crash frequency by about 2%, crash severity by 3%, and fatalities by 4%.
In an effort to combat this issue, speed control measures have been intensified. Autobahns with speed limits have statistically about 26% fewer fatalities per kilometer than those without speed limits, demonstrating the effectiveness of these measures.
Digital technologies, such as AI-based traffic monitoring and IoT sensors, are increasingly being used in Germany to enhance enforcement and road safety. These advancements enable more precise identification and response to risky behavior, including speeding.
The police are also raising awareness of the dangers of speeding through actions like the Blitzmarathon. This year, a traffic action to catch speeders on German roads started on Monday and will last until August 10. The focus of the controls during this action week will be on hospitals, nursing homes, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and construction sites.
Several federal states are participating in this action, including Brandenburg, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony-Anhalt. However, some organizations, like ADAC, believe that these temporary controls do not go far enough. The German Police Union (GdP) also called for higher fines for traffic offenders.
Following excessive speed, insufficient distance or failure to yield right of way are the next leading causes of fatal traffic accidents. The police aim to sensitize all road users to traffic safety through these actions.
Using apps during driving that alert to speed traps is warned against by the police. Stefan Grieger, the managing director of the German Road Safety Council, stated that drivers would be more attentive during the control action and pay more attention to speed.
The focus on speed control during the action week falls in the middle of the holiday season, a time when roads are typically busier. The State Police Office in Schleswig-Holstein announced that the probability of driving into a measuring point is very high throughout the country.
In summary, speeding remains the leading cause of fatal traffic accidents on German roads. Speed control measures, such as speed limits and intensified enforcement, have been shown to be effective in reducing fatalities and serious injuries significantly. Digital technologies are also being used to enhance enforcement and safety outcomes. The police are taking action to combat excessive speed and raise awareness of the dangers associated with it.
People must take speeding seriously, as it's not just an issue for sports-betting enthusiasts; it's a major factor causing traffic accidents in Germany. Even during the Blitzmarathon, a traffic action to catch speeders, the authorities encourage drivers to remember that sports-betting has no place on the roads, and their attention should solely be on driving safely.
