91-year-old Belgian ensures police action in Morbach!

91-year-old Belgian ensures police action in Morbach!

Today, June 16, 2025, a 91-year-old Belgian man caused a stir in the Hunsrück. After a visit to the doctor in St. Vith, he actually wanted to drive home, but he accidentally took the wrong exit. There were enough reasons for concern, as the senior had traveled over 100 kilometers on the road before his mini adventure on the B50 ended at the “Stump Tower” in Morbach. Here he waited alone on a bench at the rest area, exposed to midsummer temperatures and without enough water or food.

Passers-by who spotted the disoriented man reacted quickly and informed the police. A patrol arrived immediately, took the 91-year-old into care and took him to the Morbach police station. There he was warmly treated to coffee and cake until his sons arrived from Belgium to pick him up. The Morbach police station expressly thanked the attentive passers-by, whose simple gesture, for example, helped ensure that the man was able to return safely and safely to the care of his family. This is how charity works!

Safety of older people in traffic

This story sheds light on an issue that cannot receive enough attention: the safety of older people on the road. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), senior citizens are particularly at risk as unprotected road users. In 2023, 59.3% of cyclists and pedestrians who were fatally injured belonged to this age group. Factors such as vulnerability in old age and changes in cognitive and motor performance play a crucial role.

In this context, it is important that older people are fully informed about traffic dangers. The BMV supports various measures to promote road safety, including the German Road Safety Days, which take place free of charge and without registration. Here, seniors can learn everything from safe cycling to the correct behavior when turning to reaction tests.

Stay mobile, but stay safe!

To support older road users, seminars were also launched that aim to raise awareness of age-related changes in driving skills and promote possible compensation mechanisms. The slogan “Stay mobile, but safe!” is central to this. Materials that include, for example, brochures on the safe use of walkers and wheelchairs help to maintain and promote mobility even in old age.

Overall, it is important that we as a society become more mindful. Younger road users should pay particular attention to the needs and safety of older people. This is the only way we can work together to make road traffic a little safer and ensure that all of our fellow human beings can maintain their mobility well into old age.