The traffic accident statistics for 2023 were presented on 20 March 2024 by District Administrator Dr. Schneider and Chief Criminal Investigator Thomas Vogt, who is acting head of the Traffic Directorate.
In 2023, the number of traffic accidents increased slightly. Around 4% more accidents were caused on our roads. Eleven people were killed in a total of almost 9,000 accidents. 211 people were seriously injured. That is around 9% less than in the previous year.
As in the national comparison, the number of hit-and-run accidents has risen. Just over half of the hit-and-run accidents (approx. 55%) were cleared up.
Although the people of Sauerland and holidaymakers still like to get around by bike, the number of cyclists involved in accidents is declining overall. However, the number of pedelec riders involved in accidents continued to rise. The majority of those injured were in the 50+ age group. The pedelec training courses offered by the road safety advisory service and, in particular, the wearing of a cycle helmet should continue to be highlighted during traffic checks and preventative discussions.
It is pleasing to note that the number of children injured in accidents fell by a quarter in 2023. In figures, this was 61 children - in 2022 it was 82 children.
The entire press conference was held under the motto "#LIFE". Bianca Scheer, road safety advisor, picked up on this and told the journalists present about the prevention services offered by the Hochsauerland district police authority. The new guiding principle complements the goals already set by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia with the specialist traffic strategy.
