Summary of the press conference on the 2023 traffic accident statistics in the district of Lippe
On Monday, March 18, 2024, the press conference to present the 2023 traffic accident statistics for the district of Lippe took place in the police station building in Detmold. District Administrator Dr. Axel Lehmann opened the event with a speech. Head of Police Department Police Director Alexander Fenske and Police Senior Councillor Peter Pauls, in his role as Head of the Traffic Directorate, were also present.
Overall development of traffic accidents
The total number of traffic accidents in the district of Lippe rose to 9,799 in 2023, with an increase in accidents involving purely material damage in particular. Fortunately, however, the number of accidents with personal injury fell from 959 to 916.
Development of traffic accident consequences
Unfortunately, the number of road fatalities rose from 6 to 10 last year. No children, teenagers or young adults were among the fatalities. Particularly alarming was the increase in the number of senior citizens killed from 3 to 7, which was attributed to the increasing use of e-bikes and pedelecs in this age group. On the other hand, the sharp decline in the number of serious injuries was positive.
Measures to reduce traffic accidents
Dr. Lehmann emphasized the importance of targeted measures to reduce traffic accidents. A particular focus is on protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and pedelec users, especially senior citizens and children.
Preventive measures and speed monitoring
The Lippe police are increasingly focusing on a combination of education, preventive measures and consistent monitoring of the main causes of accidents such as speeding. In this context, senior police officer Peter Pauls emphasized:
"In Lippe, you have to expect to be measured at any time and in any place."
Seminars for senior citizens
The Lippe police have recognized that the increasing use of e-bikes and pedelecs poses new challenges and risks, especially for older road users. For this reason, it regularly offers free seminars specifically for senior citizens to teach them how to use these vehicles safely.
These practical training sessions cover important questions relating to pedelecs:
Where are you allowed to ride a pedelec (cycle paths, roads, etc.)
Do the same rules apply to pedelec riders as to cyclists?
How do I behave correctly at junctions and traffic lights?
What do I have to watch out for when using crosswalks as a pedelec rider?
How do I interpret traffic signs and markings correctly?
In addition to theoretical knowledge and rules, the program also includes practical exercises. Here, participants can directly try out safe riding on a pedelec and gain routine.
The aim is to give senior citizens more confidence in handling the powerful e-bikes and prevent accidents caused by a lack of knowledge or uncertainty.