Fatal accident between Liederbach and Niedersohren: hit-and-run in focus!

Fatal accident between Liederbach and Niedersohren: hit-and-run in focus!

A tragic incident caused a stir in the region last weekend: a fatal accident took place on a farm road between Liederbach and Niedersohren, which not only shocked the residents, but also once again brought the urgent topic of hit-and-runs to the table. The investigation into the incident is currently ongoing, and it is becoming clear that the clearance rate for hit-and-runs is alarmingly low. The Rhein-Zeitung reports that the incident brings back painful memories of a similar accident in 2004 in which FDP Bundestag member Marita Sehn and her brother died.

What makes hit-and-runs so problematic? The numbers are worrying. According to [First German Television](https://www.daserste.de/information/ratgeber-service/ criminalreport/sender/fahrerwandel-bei-werben-unfaellen-tut-sich-kaum-etwas-100.html), over 5% of those who caused accidents still flee the scene of the accident, even though there are injured people. Last year, a total of 76 people died in hit-and-run accidents, which corresponds to around 1.5% of all traffic fatalities. This clearly shows that statistics include not only numbers, but also destinies.

Hit-and-run in detail: A nationwide problem

The difficulty of solving hit-and-runs is exacerbated by the constant number of serious traffic accidents. In 2017, the proportion of hit-and-runs resulting in serious property damage was almost 11%. In cities like Hamburg, 17% of those who cause accidents flee, which shows that the problem varies greatly from region to region. The statistics from Destatis provides valuable data that not only helps to better understand the situation, but also initiates measures for future transport and safety policies.

Another striking feature is the nationwide clearance rate, which averages around 40%. NRW is one of the better states with 44%, while Baden-Württemberg is at the bottom with 34%. Although the rate of fatal accidents is higher - in 2017, 83% of cases in North Rhine-Westphalia were resolved - the problem remains that not every incident leads to a resolution and many people have to suffer a painful loss.

What should be done?

Given these alarming statistics, it is more necessary than ever to raise awareness of the dangers of hit-and-run accidents. Especially at a time when traffic accidents are not uncommon, initiatives are needed that aim to both reduce the number of accidents and increase clearance rates. The aim must be not only to improve statistics but also to ensure safety on our roads.

The tragedies that result from hit-and-run accidents are not just statistics. They grab society from an emotional place and make it clear that loss and pain also affect the loved ones who have to live with the consequences while others slip away. The time to act is now.