The Hiller family from Weilheim demands consideration: Drive slower!”

The Hiller family from Weilheim demands consideration: Drive slower!”

The streets of Penzing have recently been dominated not only by cars, but also by a special sign: “Please drive slower”. This message not only touches the immediate residents, but has also reached the heart of the Hiller family in Weilheim. The tragic loss of their cat Susi, who died in a traffic accident last year, does not allow the Hillers to rest. Your children often can't stop themselves from shedding tears when they see dead animals on the side of the road. Mercury reports that the youngest daughter in particular suffers after animal crossings.

The Hillers' everyday life is characterized by concern for their own safety on the road. Drivers repeatedly draw attention to themselves by driving recklessly, which puts a lot of stress on the family, especially as active cyclists. The desire for more consideration is reflected not only in her words, but also in her appeal to all road users to drive more slowly and ensure greater safety. But although the sign in Penzing is intended to spread the important message, the Hillers feel it is far too small and poorly visible.

Safety aspects and accident statistics

The problem is not just local, but also part of a larger phenomenon. The most common cause of death among employees in Germany is traffic accidents. In 2019, 375 people lost their lives in such accidents, as a DGUV study shows. Traffic accidents are not just limited to work commutes, but also include private journeys. The DGUV is watching that getting things done, especially in the form of proactive action, is necessary to avoid such tragedies.

Better behavior on the roads requires not only the mindfulness of all road users, but also an understanding of their different characteristics. While cars are fast and loud, cyclists are unprotected and pedestrians are often not even visible. Predictive road participation means that everyone involved should adjust their speed and be aware of their surroundings.

Measures to improve road safety

Traffic accident statistics are a tool that not only serves to analyze accidents, but also serves as a basis for legislative measures in traffic policy. Destatis points to how important data on accident frequency and cause is. They help to develop preventive measures in road construction and vehicle technology and to educate the population about road safety.

A forward-looking approach to road traffic could also include awareness-raising through safety officers in companies who help prevent accidents and ensure compliance with traffic rules.

The Hillers strengthen the desire for not only them, but also others to think about their behavior on the road. Ultimately, we all benefit from being more mindful on the streets and treating each other with respect - be it between people or with animals.