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Sad memorial service: Quad driver dies after biker exit in Bitterfeld
Memorial ceremony for deceased quad riders in Wittenberg: cause of the accident, participants and information on road safety.
Sad memorial service: Quad driver dies after biker exit in Bitterfeld
On Sunday, August 24, 2025, a moving event took place in Bitterfeld, in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district Commemoration for a tragically deceased quad rider. Around 100 participants, including many bikers, came together to honor the 46-year-old who died in an accident on a ride on August 17th.
The celebration organized by the Evangelical Church attracted numerous motorcyclists who were allowed to drive to the market square to say goodbye. Mayor Armin Schenk (CDU) and Pastor Johannes Toaspern led the ceremony and remembered the lost friend and comrade.
The tragic accident
The circumstances of the accident are shocking: the quad driver left the road on State Road 123 near Schleesen and crashed into a tree. His passenger, a 65-year-old, was seriously injured and has since required intensive medical care. These events highlight how quickly tragedy can occur on the streets.
A look at the statistics
The sad result is not just a local one: in 2024, a total of 78 motorcyclists had fatal accidents, which accounts for 25% of all traffic fatalities that year, according to a report by the ÖAMTC. Men with an average age of 47 are particularly affected, with 96% of those killed being male.
It is becoming increasingly clear that many of the fatal accidents are self-inflicted. The most common causes are inadequate speeds, failed overtaking maneuvers and priority violations. What is particularly alarming is that 36% of accidents are solo accidents and the number of fatal motorcycle accidents has increased from 7% to over 20% of all traffic accidents since 1995.
In order to increase safety on the roads, experts emphasize the need for educational work and driving safety training. Experience has shown that people returning to the sport and inexperienced drivers are particularly at risk in this regard.
Raise awareness
The sad events in Bitterfeld and the increasing number of accidents show that it is time to raise awareness of the dangers of motorcycling. Initiatives that increase road safety are essential. Hopefully, tragic accidents like the one that cost the quad driver his life can be prevented in the future. The current trend also shows how important such information is: While the number of road deaths among other road users is falling, the numbers among motorcyclists are stagnating.
In the midst of these dismal statistics, there remains hope that such memorial events not only serve to remember deceased friends, but also set an example for greater safety and responsibility in road traffic. An important reminder, which lives on in the hearts of the participants.