Saxony plans safety program for traffic

Saxony wants to improve road safety on the state's roads with a new program. For Transport Minister Martin Dulig (SPD), "Vision Zero" remains the measure of all things. The aim is to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in road traffic and to achieve zero road deaths in the long term, he said after the cabinet meeting at which the concept was adopted. It replaces a program from 1993 and, according to Dulig, it was time for change. There are now new modes of transport such as e-scooters. The "battle" for traffic space is increasing.

Dulig: people's behavior is crucial

"People's behavior plays the decisive role," emphasized the minister. There is a growing radicalization in many areas of society, which is also reflected in traffic. Road safety is primarily about protecting vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly. Dulig argued that local authorities should be allowed to be more flexible when designating 30 km/h zones. It is not about a general reduction of the standard speed to 30 km/h in cities. However, this should apply in front of hospitals, schools or retirement homes, for example. Safety must have priority at the same time as the "principle of flowing traffic".

Dulig expressed concern that the number of road traffic accidents will continue to rise this year. In 2023, 188 people lost their lives in road accidents in Bavaria and 3,411 were seriously injured. The statistics also include 12,790 minor injuries. A good third (35 percent) of the later fatalities were pedestrians or cyclists. In the first half of 2024, there were 74 road deaths, 1,723 serious injuries, 6,388 minor injuries and 6,952 accidents with personal injury.

Minister promotes more cooperation in road traffic

According to Dulig, the safety program is about "more cooperation instead of conflict". The concept comprises six key areas. Road safety is defined as a task for society as a whole. Particular attention is paid to pedestrians and safe footpaths. Saxony is committed to safe and barrier-free traffic facilities, it said. Local authorities are encouraged to create wide footpaths and safe crossings. The focus is on children and young people. Around one in five accidents involving pedestrians affects this group. It is also about safe cycling, including bicycle training in schools.

The program is a framework that now needs to be filled, said the minister. The work of the road safety organization will be further strengthened. Another road safety day is planned for this Sunday at the Sachsenring. Dulig praised the format. There, the topic will be dealt with as part of a public festival. Throughout the day, there will be presentations designed to make road safety tangible and understandable. Visitors can try out a ride in an electric car, hydrogen car or cargo bike. If you want to change your perspective, you can drive a bus or truck.