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Seniors behind the wheel: Chaos drive in Erlangen causes injuries!
On July 15, 2025, there was a serious traffic accident in Erlangen caused by an 81-year-old. Six vehicles were involved and several people were injured. The police suspect a medical emergency was the trigger.
Seniors behind the wheel: Chaos drive in Erlangen causes injuries!
A dramatic traffic accident occurred on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Erlangen, when an 81-year-old driver drove chaotically through the avenue at Röthelheimpark. How in Franconia Reportedly, several people were injured in this incident, including the driver himself and his passenger, both of whom suffered moderate injuries. A total of five other road users and a cyclist were involved in the accident, with the latter suffering a minor injury.
The accident was more than just hectic: the 81-year-old first stopped at a traffic light to turn left. However, after starting off, his vehicle struck two cars waiting at the traffic lights and then collided with a third vehicle, which was pushed into a traffic light pole, which then collapsed. The chaotic journey continued when the senior's car veered onto a grass verge, where it crashed into two barrier posts and finally a tree before stopping badly deformed.
Increasing accident rates among older drivers
This incident sheds light on a worrying development in traffic: Loud ZDF In 2023, approximately 21,500 drivers aged 75 and over were involved in traffic accidents resulting in fatalities and injuries - an increase of 26 percent compared to 2013. Despite a decline in the overall number of serious accidents involving drivers, a growing number of older people are getting behind the wheel. In 2015 there were 2.5 million driving license holders aged 75 and over, while this number will have increased to almost 5.9 million by 2024. This shows how important it is to regularly question the driving ability of older road users.
Older drivers are no less susceptible to accidents: Statistics show that in 2023, a full 77 percent of those involved in accidents aged 75 and over were the main culprits. And while they are statistically less likely to be involved in personal injury accidents, their risk becomes increasingly critical due to declining responsiveness and alertness.
Education and support for seniors
To counteract this trend, many driving schools offer refresher courses and feedback trips that help seniors optimize their driving and be safer on the road. The ADAC emphasizes that regular medical examinations, especially with regard to vision, are advisable. Older vehicle occupants should be aware of their limited reaction abilities and, if necessary, consider alternatives to driving at an early stage.
Health restrictions, such as those caused by medications or illnesses, can have a significant impact on road safety. It is therefore recommended that if you have any health concerns, you should speak to a medical professional in good time. The ADAC offers older drivers a so-called driving fitness check and special safety training to improve their driving style and learn new vehicle techniques.
The discussion about mandatory medical health checks for seniors was recently rejected by the EU Parliament. However, it remains of immense importance to raise awareness of one's own driving ability and to ensure that older road users can continue to navigate road traffic safely.