Prävention von Verkehrsunfällen äußerer Verkehrsteilnehmer (Fußgänger und Fahrradfahrer) in Deutschland

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • H. Zwipp - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • A. Ernstberger - , University of Regensburg (Author)
  • V. Groschupf - , Verkehrsüberwachung der Polizeidirektion Dresden (Author)
  • K. P. Günther - , University Center for Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • M. Haase - , ISUP GmbH (Author)
  • C. Haasper - , Hannover Medical School (MHH) (Author)
  • C. Hagemeister - , Chair of Assessment and Intervention (Author)
  • L. Hannawald - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • C. Juhra - , University of Münster (Author)
  • H. Leser - , Unfallanalyse Berlin (Author)
  • G. Lob - , German Society for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) (Author)
  • R. Maier - , Institut für Verkehrsplanung und Straßenverkehr (Author)
  • A. Seeck - , Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (Author)
  • R. Winkler - , German Automobile Association (ADAC) (Author)
  • D. Otte - , Hannover Medical School (MHH) (Author)

Abstract

During a 1-day workshop organized by the German Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (DGOU) 15 German accident researchers used different approaches to improve the effectiveness of accident prevention for pedestrians and bicyclists on German roads. The main results of this analysis show: Fatal injuries of pedestrians have been significantly reduced by 82% between 1970 (n=6.056) and 2007 (n=695). Similarly, fatalities of bicyclists have been reduced during the same time period from 1,835 to 425 which amount to almost 80%. However, the total number of injured cyclists increased almost twice, i.e. from 40,531 (in 1979) to 78,579 (in 2007) a fact that needs to be analyzed in more detail. Although scientifically proven to provide protection against severe head injuries, helmets are worn less frequently by adolescents and women as compared to younger children and men. Fatalities of bicyclists might be reduced by using Dobli mirrors which allow the truck driver to see the bicyclist when turning right. Recently developed sensors are able to detect pedestrians walking closely (<2.5 m) and warn the truck driver acoustically. Bicycle lanes should be planned for one direction only, separated from the pedestrian way and large enough (2.0 m are safer than 1.6 m). Traffic education for school beginners and younger children should be repeated to be effective. Training for elderly bicyclists in cities with heavy traffic would also be reasonable. Active security systems in cars like ESP (electronic stability program), BAS (brake assist system), special light systems for curves, and night vision utilities are most effective to prevent collision with pedestrians and bicyclists. TV spots for bicyclists could help to point out dangerous situations and the proven benefits of wearing a helmet in the same way as previous campaigns, e.g. "The 7th Sense" for car drivers.

Translated title of the contribution
Prevention of road accidents involving non-motorized traffic participants (pedestrians and cyclists) in Germany

Details

Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)554-565
Number of pages12
JournalDer Unfallchirurg
Volume115
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2012
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#48865
researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#49273
researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#46063
Scopus 84864054202
PubMed 22159502

Keywords

Keywords

  • Bicycle helmet, Bicyclist, Efficacy, Head injury, Pedestrian