Traffic Fatalities in Germany Decline Slightly, Yet Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Faces Alarming Statistics

The latest data from Germany's Federal Statistical Office reveals a slight decrease in traffic fatalities across the country, with a total of 2,780 deaths reported in 2024. This marks a decline of 59 fatalities, or approximately 2%, compared to the previous year. Notably, this figure represents the third-lowest level of traffic fatalities since the records began in 1953, surpassed only by the years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the various categories of road users, significant reductions were observed in the number of fatalities among pedestrians and car occupants, with each group experiencing a decrease of 21 deaths last year. Furthermore, there were 13 fewer fatalities among moped users and 10 less among cyclists. Conversely, the number of deaths among motorcyclists and electric scooter users increased, with 9 and 2 more fatalities, respectively, compared to 2023.

The summer months remain particularly hazardous, as statistics indicate that this period continues to result in the highest number of road fatalities. August was especially deadly, with 296 lives lost.

Geographically, the data shows that Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony-Anhalt reported the highest fatality rates, with 59 and 52 deaths per million inhabitants, respectively. These figures starkly contrast with urban areas such as Hamburg, Bremen, and Berlin, which have significantly lower rates of fatalities per million residents, recorded at 21, 17, and 15, respectively. Other regions like North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland also exhibited lower rates, at 26 and 24 fatalities per million.

In terms of overall accidents, the total number of reported incidents in 2024 was approximately 2.5 million, reflecting a 1% decrease from the previous year. The number of injury cases also saw a slight decline, with 363,000 injuries reported, which is a reduction of 1%. Among these, serious injuries decreased by 5% to 50,300, marking the lowest figure since detailed records began in 1991.

Of the total accidents, around 2.2 million were categorized solely as property damage, remaining consistent with the previous year's statistics. The number of accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities decreased by 1% to just above 289,000.

Despite the overall positive trend in reducing traffic fatalities and injuries, the figures from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern highlight ongoing challenges in road safety. Authorities continue to explore measures aimed at further enhancing road safety and reducing the risks associated with traffic incidents.