Safe in traffic: Seniors event to improve mobility!

Safe in traffic: Seniors event to improve mobility!

A special event on road safety for seniors will take place in Berlin on August 13, 2025. The focus of this initiative is pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. This measure comes at a time when the number of road accidents involving the elderly has risen worryingly in 2024, as berlin.de reported.

The Berlin police have the goal of making all road users aware of the dangers in road traffic. At the event, older people have the opportunity to test their ability to react and refresh their knowledge of traffic law in a quiz. Police officers are available to give valuable behavioral tips, especially for seniors who use mobility aids. In this context, Mr. Steuckardt, district councilor, emphasizes the importance of mobility for the quality of life in old age.

Danger to older road users

The danger posed to seniors in road traffic is alarming. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, in 2024, 61.4% of cyclists and pedestrians who were fatally injured were at least 65 years old. Of the car occupants killed, almost one in three people (37.3%) belonged to this age group. Age-related changes in cognitive and motor skills make seniors particularly vulnerable in traffic, which requires different measures to raise awareness, such as bmv.de is explained.

Experience-oriented events, such as the “Stay mobile, but safe!” experience days. the German Traffic Watch, are supported and offer topics such as safe cycling and the use of Pedelecs. Free seminars from the German Road Safety Council (DVR) help to identify age-related dangerous situations in road traffic and to develop individual compensation mechanisms.

Personal responsibility and preventative measures

Seniors are often not only at risk, but are also less likely to cause traffic accidents. According to the Federal Statistical Office, people aged 65 and over only contributed to 18.5% of accidents resulting in personal injury in 2023, which is lower than their share of the population of around 22%. However, seniors should regularly self-critically assess their ability to drive, as their ability to react and their eyesight can deteriorate with age. Health problems and medications can also affect road safety, such as adac.de emphasized.

Traffic experts recommend that older people have regular medical examinations, especially for their eyesight. If you have health problems, it is advisable to speak to a doctor. The ADAC offers a driving fitness check that is used to optimize driving style and react to age changes. These are important measures to promote independent mobility and social participation in old age.