Accident protection - the right distance is important

Road accidents usually happen when road users come too close to each other and are often traveling at different speeds. This not only results in numerous rear-end collisions, but also side contact. The word contact sounds harmless at first, but road users are often injured in such accidents and their beloved vehicle is damaged or rendered unusable.

Safety distance when overtaking

Recently, it has often been reported that, according to the latest court rulings, vehicles should keep a safe distance of at least 1.50 m from cyclists. This is correct and necessary. However, it should not be forgotten that vehicles - including cyclists - that are overtaking pedestrians must also maintain such lateral distances. Children, elderly and disabled people in particular are repeatedly unsettled and endangered by vehicles passing close by. Where else - if not on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones - should pedestrians be able to feel safe in road traffic?

Particular care must be taken in pedestrian areas that are open to cyclists. In such areas, pedestrians have priority and cyclists are merely tolerated guests.

People injured in accidents

In 2018, a total of 62 cyclists were injured in road accidents that they caused themselves. At the same time, "only" 13 pedestrians were injured in road accidents that they also caused themselves. This shows that the risk of injury is particularly high for vulnerable road users.

Caution, mutual consideration and restraint are easy to implement when participating in public road traffic, are fun and are good for your health.