Waldeck-Frankenberg on the way to zero traffic fatalities – this is how it’s done!

Waldeck-Frankenberg on the way to zero traffic fatalities – this is how it’s done!

Today, Germany is looking at a worrying traffic situation: in 2023, over 2.5 million traffic accidents were registered, in which a total of 2,839 people lost their lives. A reason for concern that should encourage the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport to take action. The “Vision Zero” program has set itself the goal of reducing traffic fatalities by 40 percent by 2030 and noticeably reducing the number of seriously injured people. But what is behind this ambitious project?

A central aspect of “Vision Zero” is the realization that over two thirds of accidents occur in urban areas, often involving cyclists and pedestrians. This group is particularly at risk, as the statistics make clear. For example, 66 percent of people who had an accident in urban areas died while cycling or walking. In order to counteract this development, 30 km/h zones should be set up across the board. In Waldeck-Frankenberg, several such zones have already been implemented or are being planned, which was mentioned by the Greens at the most recent district council meeting. Dr. Peter Koswig from the Green Party pointed out that the new road traffic regulations give equal priority to the safety of all road users.

Positive changes through new regulations

Adjustments to the road traffic regulations now give municipalities more scope for decision-making. Speed ​​limits can now be more easily placed near playgrounds, school routes and pedestrian crossings. A concrete example is the existing 30 km/h zone in the area of ​​a playground in Wetterburg. This shows that it is not just about reducing speeds, but also about a more comprehensive road safety strategy.

In Hesse, the mayors are responsible for traffic regulations on district roads. The district administration offers support for cities and municipalities that are planning renovations in local thoroughfares. In order to sustainably improve traffic conditions, the participation of all funding sources is required.

Innovative traffic safety projects

As part of “Vision Zero”, not only infrastructural changes are sought, but also innovative projects are promoted. The “COLLISION ZERO” project, for example, aims to reduce inner-city traffic accidents, particularly involving children and young people. Virtual reality is used here to improve traffic education and raise awareness of the dangers in road traffic.

In addition, the “KISStra” project deals with traffic safety on motorways and trunk roads. The aim is to use an AI-based methodology to systematically record the traffic infrastructure and accidents in order to enable automated monitoring.

Federal funding for the prevention of traffic accidents is significant: around 15.4 million euros are made available annually to support projects that are intended to increase safety, especially for vulnerable groups, such as children and pedestrians. The aim of these initiatives is to further reduce the number of traffic deaths and serious injuries in order to come one step closer to the vision of a future without traffic accidents.

For more information about developments in road safety in Germany, see the relevant reports HNA, BMDV and Vision Zero be read.