The Leipzig Police Department has published the traffic accident statistics for 2024. Despite a slight decrease in the total number of accidents compared to 2023, the road safety situation remains challenging. Of particular concern is the increase in drug-impaired driving.
In 2024, a total of 23,731 traffic accidents were registered in the area of responsibility of Leipzig Police Department - a slight decrease compared to the previous year, in which 24,036 accidents were reported. The number of traffic accidents with personal injuries remained at a similar level to the previous year, with 4,262 people injured. 38 people lost their lives in road accidents, compared to 49 fatalities in 2023.
One focus of traffic checks in 2024 was the detection of impaired driving due to alcohol and drugs. Compared to the previous year, 1,175 drivers were found to be under the influence of drugs, an increase of over 250 people compared to 2023. In contrast, the number of drivers under the influence of alcohol fell by around 100 people. Accidents under the influence of drugs and alcohol remained at the same level as in the previous year.
The main areas of accident activity in Leipzig included 155 accidents involving children in the city, 66 in the district of Leipzig and 68 in North Saxony. Cyclists were particularly at risk with 1,305 accidents in Leipzig, 259 in the district and 222 in North Saxony. 315 accidents involving pedestrians were reported in Leipzig, 63 in the district of Leipzig and 50 in North Saxony. The most common causes of accidents were infringements of right of way, turning errors, insufficient safety distance and excessive speed.
The Leipzig police department implemented extensive traffic monitoring measures in 2024: 95,380 vehicles were checked, 119,370 traffic offences were punished, over 73,000 speeding offences were registered and more than000 speeding violations were registered and over 14,000 traffic offenses were detected.
Police President René Demmler emphasizes: "The figures show that our measures are effective, but also that we must continue to take consistent action against rule violations. The increase in drug-related traffic offenses is alarming and requires increased monitoring."
