After the Flixbus accident: how safe are bus trips really?

After the Flixbus accident: how safe are bus trips really?

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - On July 4, 2025, a serious accident of a Flixbuss occurred on the A19 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, in which 20 people were injured and a person float in mortal danger. The exact cause of the accident is currently unclear what concerns about the security of bus trips. Previously, in January 2025, there was already a similar incident on the A11, which ended tragically and demanded two lives. These incidents have rejected a discussion about the security standards in long -distance bus traffic. While coaches are considered to be relatively safe in Germany, accidents always show that there are risks, especially when driving at night or unfavorable weather conditions.

In recent years, demands for more transparency and stricter controls have always been loud in the long -distance bus sector. This discussion is not only supported by the latest accidents, but also by statistics: the proportion of bus inasses in the road dead meter in Germany is below one percent, which, according to statistics, lies to a death rate of 0.13 per billion person kilometer in bus traffic, compared to higher rates in car traffic.

security measures and accident statistics

Flixbus emphasizes that the safety of passengers is top priority. Modern flixbuses are equipped with safety equipment such as electronic stability programs and emergency brake assistants. The company carries out regular maintenance and obliges its drivers to comprehensive training. Nevertheless, the pressure on the company remains high to further improve security. In 2023 there were nine fatal accidents in the Flixbus network, despite the fact that the company promoted 81 million passengers in the same year. In 2023, a total of 6,153 injuries were registered in buses in traffic accidents in 2023, while there were 177,582 injuries in car traffic.

Although accident figures in bus traffic are low compared to other means of transport, these accidents can have particularly serious consequences, especially when the bus was later. The German Road Safety Council (DVR) gives numerous recommendations to improve security. These include regular security instructions from the bus drivers before driving and checking badges for the main inspection and security test.

Legal framework and driver training

The legal regulations for bus drivers include strict requirements for steering and rest periods as well as a maximum permissible speed of 100 km/h on motorways. Daily steering times are limited to nine hours and must be interrupted by corresponding rest periods of at least eleven hours. During night trips must also be changed regularly or taken a break after three hours. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for the safety of passengers.

The discussion about security in long -distance bus traffic is further fueled by the statistical data and experience from the recent accidents. While Flixbus is investing in new technologies and training, the question remains whether these measures are sufficient to ensure the safety of travelers sustainably. The pressure on the company and the entire industry to exacerbate regulations and further increase security will not decrease in view of the scope of the events.