13-year-old seriously injured in B14 accident – ​​Why helmets save lives!

13-year-old seriously injured in B14 accident – ​​Why helmets save lives!

On May 30, 2025, a serious traffic accident occurred at 7:35 p.m. on the B14 near St. Andrä/Wördern, in which a 13-year-old boy from the Tulln district who was riding his youth bike was hit by a car. Loud Fireworld The boy's father initially stopped to cross the road at a 90-degree angle. The 13-year-old was riding on the sidewalk and cycle path towards Zeiselmauer without a bicycle helmet.

While crossing the street, the boy was hit by a car driven by a 19-year-old from the Tulln district. The force of the impact threw the boy about 20 meters across the windshield of the vehicle. He suffered serious injuries and had to be flown to the Donaustadt clinic in an emergency helicopter. The driver of the car stated that he did not notice the cyclists because the sun was low.

Accident criteria and impact

The B14 was completely closed while the accident was investigated and a local diversion was put in place. This situation once again raises the issue of road safety for cyclists, in particular the wearing of helmets, which has been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries. Studies show that wearing a helmet can prevent 20 to 80 percent of head injuries, according to an analysis by I wear a helmet described.

In 2021, only 32 percent of cyclists in Germany regularly wore a helmet, with the helmet rate among 11 to 16 year olds recording a significant decline compared to the previous year at 38 percent. A statement that seems all the more important in light of the accident, as over 50 percent of the cyclists killed in accidents had suffered traumatic brain injury.

Bicycle safety and equipment

The Federal Traffic Regulations stipulate that cyclists must be clearly visible in order to avoid accidents. The basic equipment of vehicles is specified in the road traffic registration regulations, which, among other things, provides for two independent brakes and a bright-sounding bell. A missing spring piece on the handlebars can be punished with a fine of 15 euros, as stated on the website ADAC is explained.

It is recommended that every cyclist wears a well-fitting helmet, ideally equipped with reflectors and an LED taillight. These additional safety features are particularly important to be more visible in traffic. Interestingly, in the Netherlands, where the infrastructure for cyclists is well developed, cyclists often do not wear helmets. In Germany, however, there is no obligation to wear a helmet, and many experts are not in favor of introducing such a law, despite the persistently high number of accidents.

The tragic incident on the B14 once again highlights the importance of safe cycling practices and the need for cyclists to wear helmets. This simple measure can be crucial in preventing serious injuries.