Accident hotspots in Brandenburg: These roads are the most dangerous!

Accident hotspots in Brandenburg: These roads are the most dangerous!

Road safety in Brandenburg an der Havel concerns not only the responsible authorities, but also the citizens who use the roads every day. According to a report released by police, road traffic and highway authorities, 1961 traffic accidents occurred in the city in 2022. This number clearly shows that there is a need for action to increase safety on the roads. The Wilhelmsdorf intersection in particular, where a total of 15 accidents were registered in 2023, stands out as the most common accident hotspot. In the previous year there were at least 11 accidents; The high traffic load and the drivers' orientation problems seem to be the main causes here, as maz-online.de analyzes.

Another critical point is the Rathenower Landstrasse/Rosa-Luxemburg-Allee intersection, which will also make a significant contribution to the overall picture with 13 accidents in 2022. Future measures include improving traffic light switching programs, which have already led to a reduction in the number of accidents at other intersections. The city's intention here is to create a better division of traffic areas, especially with regard to cycling, because in Brandenburg the number of accidents involving cyclists also increased by 6.29 percent in 2024.

Causes of accidents and danger areas

The main causes of accidents are usually clear: failure to adhere to the distance rules, disregard of right-of-way rules, crossing animals, excessive speed and drunk driving. Two tragic fatal traffic accidents were also recorded in 2024, raising further concerns. A senior citizen who was cycling was run over by a truck, followed just two weeks later by another accident involving another senior citizen and a garbage truck, according to reporting on destatis.de.

Compared to the nationwide figures, the traffic situation in Germany is complex overall. In 2023, there were around 2.5 million road traffic accidents in Germany, with the most common causes being insufficient distance, inadequate speed and drunk driving. Statista reports that the number of traffic deaths was reduced to 2,839 in 2023. This shows that although personal injury accidents remain constant in the country, improvements in road safety are to be achieved, including through the goal of “Vision Zero”—no traffic fatalities by 2050.

The concerns of citizens

With the number of traffic accidents increasing, it is becoming more important than ever that citizens can move safely on the roads. Sebastian Hennig, head of the transport authority, appeals for the need for a better division of traffic areas and more alternatives to cars in the city center. It is up to all of us to be vigilant and actively contribute to improving the traffic situation.

It remains to be seen which measures will actually be implemented, but the pressure on the authorities, particularly with regard to bicycle traffic, is growing. The proposal to improve road design could help not only reduce accidents but also raise awareness about road safety.