Number of road traffic fatalities in Germany 1950-2023
The number of traffic accident deaths in Germany has decreased considerably in the last decade, compared to the 1990s, and especially the 1960s and 1970s. Around 2,839 deaths were recorded in 2023. Recording these numbers takes on particular significance in the country that is home to the Autobahn and some of the most famous cars in the world.
Staying safe
The reduction of road traffic deaths in Germany may be due to a number of positive factors with long-term potential: progressive automotive engineering, increased regulation and legislation regarding road traffic and driving, as well as expanded driving safety resources and training. Another reason may simply be less people owning cars, and therefore less drivers being out on the road. Traffic accidents happen for various reasons, be it a bad combination of circumstances or the human factor. Certain choices and consumption habits significantly increase the risk of a car accident, a common example being driving after drinking.
Into the future
The addition of e-scooters to German city traffic in particular, alongside various vehicles, motorcycles and bikes in often already crowded areas, poses a new challenge for preventing accidents and fatalities. There were over 8,400 injuries recorded in 2023 which were the result of an e-scooter crash. That same year, 21 fatalities also occurred following an e-scooter accident. Increasing mobility and various transportation modes attached to it will definitely keep the issue of road safety on the map.