False driver on A5 ensures chaos: 20 km in the wrong direction!

False driver on A5 ensures chaos: 20 km in the wrong direction!

on Saturday evening, January 18, 2025, there was a dangerous incident on the A5 motorway near Alsfeld when an 82-year-old woman from the Mainz-Bingen district drove her VW Polo in the wrong direction. According to Osthessen-News , the ghost trip of the vehicle was reported around 7:00 p.m. Numerous concerned drivers alerted the police after seeing the woman on the southern lane to the north. This dangerous situation caused great confusion and uncertainty on the busy route.

The crisis moment quickly walked into a dangerous traffic accident when a 19-year-old Audi driver from Alsfeld made a full braking to avoid a collision with the oncoming vehicle. Bad luck for him: A subsequent 69-year-old Mercedes driver could not react in time and went to the Audi. A 68-year-old passenger was slightly injured in the Mercedes and had to be taken to the Alsfeld hospital for outpatient treatment. Thanks to the attentive road users and the quick intervention by the police, the false driver could finally be stopped between the Berfa and Rimberg rest areas.

confused false driver brought to the hospital

The false driver made a confused impression of what caused her to be taken to the hospital too. Her driver's license was confiscated at the order of the Gießen public prosecutor, and both a criminal and an administrative offense procedure was initiated against them. The estimated total damage caused by the incident amounts to around 23,000 euros. However, the incident also raises questions about the traffic safety of older road users, especially against the background of demographic change.

like the ffh shows how important it is to sensitize older people in road traffic to their possible restrictions. The German Road Safety Council (DVR) addresses in a background paper that traffic safety work is gaining in importance in times of demographic change. Many older drivers usually experience a decrease in their sensory, cognitive and motor skills, which can lead to dangerous situations.

traffic safety work for older people

traffic safety work must therefore be increasingly based on the needs of older road users. Measures to raise awareness and education about age -related restrictions are recommended. The promotion of a positive age picture in society could also help make older people safer when participating in traffic. The responsibility lies not only among those affected themselves, but also with society and the traffic authorities.

Thanks to the fast and professional action of the police and the prudent road user, this incident remained comparatively light. Nevertheless, in view of the increasing number of older road users, the company should not let up in their efforts to ensure security on the streets and to recognize possible dangers at an early stage.