Change in change: From a legal debate to security in the car

Change in change: From a legal debate to security in the car

In a dynamic environment, where traffic safety is increasingly being discussed, the focus is on the world of the automotive industry and the responsibility of the mobile communities. The introduction of new technologies, such as the speed assistance system and the stroke obligation, not only reflects advanced security measures, but also shows the development of social acceptance towards state requirements in road traffic.

Development of the stroke mandatory

The straps in 1976, was a controversial topic at the beginning. Historian Frank Steinbeck describes the way of thinking at the time: Many people wondered whether it was not their own responsibility to ensure their security. Only with large reconnaissance campaigns and under the pressure of the resulting legislation became a belt arrangement for many.

A crucial turning point was 1984 when a fine of 40 D-mark was introduced for non-straps. The changes were immediately noticeable: the clip rate rose from 60 to over 90 percent within one year. This impressively shows how legal regulations and financial incentives can affect people's behavior.

different approaches in East and West

The German Democratic Republic (GDR) introduced the seat belt in 1980, but under very different conditions. While there were hardly any public criticism in the GDR, the people in the Federal Republic were free to express their reservations to strap. Nevertheless, both systems showed that financial punishments not only led to the increase in the stroke rate not only in the Federal Republic, but also in the GDR.

The situation today

In 2023, the clipped rates in Germany rose to over 98 percent for car drivers. This results in a significant decline in traffic fatalities: if there were still about 23,000 traffic fatalities in 1970, the number today is below 3,000. Despite these successes, traffic safety expert Siegfried Brockmann emphasizes that every fourth death of a traffic accident was not strapped and suggests increasing the fines for non -strapping in order to improve their effectiveness.

new technologies and challenges

With the progress of the technology, the question arises as to how well the existing systems can meet the safety requirements. The "Seat Belt Reminder", which has been mandatory in new cars since 2014, could easily be avoided. Experts advocate that the automotive industry should urgently work on intelligent solutions to ensure the security of the occupants.

Common goal: higher security in traffic

The advanced technologies and legislative measures that have been implemented in recent decades have significantly improved awareness of security in road traffic. In view of the fact that many road users still consider the belt arrangement to be optional today, there is still a lot to do. Education and sensitization are the key to an even safer traffic world in which every traveler takes responsibility for their own security.

- Nag