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

Zwipp, H. and Ernstberger, A. and Groschupf, V. and Guenther, K. P. and Haase, M. and Haasper, C. and Hagemeister, C. and Hannawald, L. and Juhra, C. and Leser, H. and Lob, G. and Maier, R. and Seeck, A. and Winkler, R. and Otte, D. (2012) Prevention of road accidents involving non-motorized traffic participants (pedestrians and cyclists) in Germany. UNFALLCHIRURG, 115 (6). 554-+. ISSN 0177-5537,

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

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.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: HEAD-INJURIES; BICYCLE; Pedestrian; Bicyclist; Bicycle helmet; Efficacy; Head injury
Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine
Divisions: Medicine > Lehrstuhl für Unfallchirurgie
Depositing User: Dr. Gernot Deinzer
Date Deposited: 13 May 2020 05:10
Last Modified: 13 May 2020 05:10
URI: https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/18648

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item