Happily, the number of accidents involving personal injury in the district of Lippe fell slightly last year. However, the total number of road accidents in 2023 has unfortunately risen slightly. The increase in the number of people killed in road accidents to 10 is particularly tragic. Seven of these are senior citizens, which is attributed to the increasing use of e-bikes and pedelecs in this age group. The risk of getting into a traffic accident in Lippe is low compared to the rest of the country, but the Lippe police are not going to let up here:
"We want to further increase road safety in Lippe and significantly reduce the number of road casualties," emphasizes senior police officer and head of the Traffic Directorate Peter Pauls. "In order to achieve these goals, the Lippe police are focusing on a combination of education, preventative measures and consistent monitoring of the main causes of accidents such as speeding, alcohol and drug consumption and distraction in road traffic.
The Lippe police are using the new specialist traffic strategy, which was introduced by the police across the state with the motto #LEBEN. The overarching goal of this nationwide strategy is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities to 0 or at least 40% and the number of serious injuries by 20% by 2030 - the so-called "Vision Zero".
Why the police are focusing on education, prevention and monitoring
In order to increase road safety and reduce the number of road casualties, the Lippe police are relying on a combination of education, preventative measures and consistent monitoring of the main causes of accidents. These include, for example:
speeding: Excessive speed is one of the main causes of serious accidents. The police therefore consistently monitor compliance with speed limits almost every day at various locations in Lippe and inform road users of the dangers in the event of violations. Appropriate speed protects #LIFE. The police are also in close contact with the city and other institutions in order to quickly identify danger spots. So, take your foot off the accelerator and keep your eyes on the road - so everyone arrives safely!
Alcohol and drug consumption: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs massively increases the risk of accidents. The police therefore regularly check road users' fitness to drive, and not just at weekends. Always stay sober at the wheel!
Distraction: Distraction caused by smartphones at the wheel or on a bike, for example, is also a frequent and avoidable cause of accidents. Even brief distractions are enough to have serious consequences. We therefore consistently monitor the use of cell phones while driving. Simply call back after your journey!
In Lippe, special attention is paid to the protection of so-called vulnerable road users. These include people on foot, by bike or on e-bikes and pedelecs, especially senior citizens and children. They are less visible in traffic and have a greater risk of serious injury.
In order to protect this target group, the police start prevention work at nursery school and help them to travel safely to school. There are also regular free prevention events, for example, in which important questions about the safe use of e-bikes and pedelecs are clarified.
In addition to the police, however, the public must also get involved, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable road users. That is why we are appealing to all Lippe residents: follow the rules, show consideration for each other and always be alert on the roads!
Safety and consideration can be very simple. As our drone image above this article shows, a minimum distance when overtaking bicycles can save lives - 1.50 meters in urban areas and 2 meters outside urban areas.
This alone makes a major contribution to better protecting children and senior citizens on bicycles in particular and reducing the number of traffic accidents.
Only together can the police and the public further reduce the number of accidents and make "Vision Zero" a reality: No traffic fatalities and no serious injuries - in Lippe and throughout NRW.