How can fatal accidents be prevented?

Berlin / Munich. The good news first: The number of traffic fatalities in Germany has been declining for several years. In 2019 it was 16.5 percent less than in 2010. The ADAC automobile club assumes that even fewer people died in the Corona year 2020. But now the bad news - at least for cyclists: the trend has been going in the opposite direction for decades. More and more of them die in traffic. In 2019 there were 445. The number of injured cyclists also rose to around 87,000. "The number of cases that have not been reported could be much higher because the police are often not involved," says Jasper Berg from the Association for Service and Bicycle (VSF).

A reason for the growing number: More and more people are increasing to their bicycles-last year it was almost 40 percent more. "During Coronapandemic, many people discovered cycling," says Laura Ganswindt, spokeswoman for ADFC Bayern. This also increases the number of accidents - if not proportional, Berg explains: "Statistically speaking, cycling is even safer."

Accidents are often caused by drivers

Further reasons are mainly in the bicycle infrastructure and the behavior of road users: Around two thirds of all bicycle accidents are affected, around 75 percent of which are caused by drivers. Turning accidents are particularly common. The right of way is often disregarded at inputs and outputs. Another typical cause of the accident is so -called dooring. That means: the car door is opened as soon as a cyclist drives past.

Cyclists also make mistakes with catastrophic consequences. The danger is particularly great if you drive to the opposite direction. Ganswindt explains that 20 percent of all falls are also classified as individual accidents. For example, potholes, tree root damage or wet leaves make life difficult for cyclists on many bike paths. "Many cycle paths are in poor condition," criticizes Berg.

Cycle paths should be protected and more spacious

Some municipalities strive to make cycling safer, for example by color coding cycle paths at intersections. This is helpful, but rather a cosmetic correction, says Ganswindt. Anika Meenken, cycling expert at the Traffic Club Germany (VCD), therefore calls for a fundamental improvement in the bicycle infrastructure: "You need wide, clearly visible ways - especially in crossing areas."

protected cycle paths, which are separated from the other traffic by bollards or load barges, are considered safe. Traffic experts also consider it advantageous when cyclists are visibly waiting in front of the cars at intersections and become green a little earlier. In addition, bike paths should be built more generously-not least because they can then also be easily passable for cargo bikes.

"If you want to protect life, this is not possible without restrictions for car traffic."

Anika Meenken, bicycle traffic expert of the traffic club Germany (VCD)

Helsinki is considered a model

The problem is that there is a lack of space, especially in cities. That is why planning the transport infrastructure is almost always concerned with a fair distribution of the traffic areas, explains Ganswindt. In order to achieve good conditions for cyclists, the lanes for motorized traffic would have to be reserved. "If you want to protect life, you cannot do without restrictions on car traffic," Meenken is also convinced.

She also supports the nationwide introduction of speed 30 in cities: "Studies have shown that cyclists and pedestrians in particular benefit from a speed reduction," she says. In the Finnish capital Helsinki, for example, where the top speed is almost 30 km / h almost everywhere, there was no fatal accident with a cyclist in 2019. Meenken also considers turning aids for trucks.

For some, the bicycle helmet may be an annoying accessory, but in an emergency it can save lives.

"Cyclists always have to expect other people to make mistakes"

Cyclists can also make a contribution to their own safety. This includes compliance with the traffic rules. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that a ready -to -drive bike and a good view are guaranteed. A helmet does not protect against accidents, but often from serious injuries. Ganswindt also recommends producing eye contact with switching off and defensive drivers and driving forward: “Cyclists always have to count on mistakes from others. In case of doubt, they should do without their rights.“ ”

This should not only mean that cyclists are becoming increasingly responsible, emphasizes. Rather, it is about mutual consideration. Ganswindt therefore recommends a change of perspective: For example, drivers should experience traffic from the perspective of a cyclist - and vice versa. Even small changes in behavior contribute to reducing accidents. An example: If drivers get used to opening their door with their right arm, they automatically look over their shoulder and notice that cyclists approach.

the older, the greater the risk

In addition to children under the age of 15, older cyclists in particular are involved in accidents: the proportion of over 65-year-olds who died in an accident was more than half in 2019. Their share is 72 percent, even if only electric bikes are taken into account. However, experts do not see the higher speed that can be achieved with pedelecs. Rather, they point out that the support of electric motors enables people to cycle that would otherwise not have risen to bicycles, including some inexperienced drivers.

In addition, the response time increases in old age, but the senses and reflexes decrease. Older people are therefore more common, which also has comparatively serious consequences. Seniors in particular should therefore take part in bicycle safety training in which the focus is on control of the bike.