Serious accident in Stade: 70-year-old freed from car and flown!

Serious accident in Stade: 70-year-old freed from car and flown!

A serious traffic accident occurred today in the Stade district, Lower Saxony. Around 11 a.m., a 72-year-old man drove his van into oncoming traffic and collided with an oncoming vehicle. The man only suffered minor injuries in the collision and was taken to hospital. The 70-year-old woman in the other car was less lucky: she was trapped and had to be freed by the fire department before being flown to a Hamburg hospital in a rescue helicopter. The accident happened shortly after leaving Beckdorf in the direction of Apensen. The causes of the accident are currently unclear, according to local police, and a more detailed picture of the events is still being determined.

The shock wave of the accident is particularly alarming when you consider general traffic safety in Lower Saxony. According to the latest police figures, there were a total of 209,001 police-recorded traffic accidents in 2024, a decrease of 1.8% compared to the previous year. Despite this positive development, 347 people lost their lives on Lower Saxony's roads, a decrease of 18% compared to 2023. This is the lowest number since statistics began more than 70 years ago. Nevertheless, seniors are still a vulnerable group in road traffic.

Traffic accidents in old age

According to the police, there is a worrying trend among older road users. Around 20% of the population in Germany is over 65 years old, and by 2050 this proportion could rise to over 30%. Road traffic is often risky for seniors because they are not only the drivers who cause the accident, but also often the innocent victims. Seniors are particularly at risk as pedestrians and cyclists.

The most common causes of accidents among seniors are right-of-way violations and incorrect turning or turning. Compared to younger drivers, seniors cause fewer accidents in critical driving situations, such as driving at night or in slippery road conditions. However, age-related impairments such as reduced vision or ability to react can lead to an increased risk. The police therefore recommend that you undergo regular fitness checks to assess your ability to drive in order to ensure your own safety on the road.

Prevention is the magic word

Lower Saxony's Minister of the Interior and Sport, Daniela Behrens, emphasized how important prevention work in road traffic is. In particular, speed checks and driving ability tests form the basis for safe road traffic for all age groups. Even if accident statistics show a positive trend, it remains essential to be vigilant and continually work on safety.

With these thoughts in mind, it is clear that today's accident is another example of how important it is to take responsibility on the road - especially for our older citizens. The timely identification of risks and compliance with safety measures can and must be in the interests of all road users.

For further information on the traffic situation in Lower Saxony, including the extensive accident statistics, the official police pages offer helpful insights: n-tv, [Polizei Lower Saxony].