Tragedy on Lake Garda: German couple dies in scooter accident

Tragedy on Lake Garda: German couple dies in scooter accident

A tragic incident has occurred on Lake Garda in which a German couple died in a scooter accident. Loud oe24 The accident occurred on a road that leads from Torri del Benaco towards Albisano. The driver of the e-scooter lost control of the vehicle for reasons that are still unclear and crashed into a wall. The rescue workers were only able to determine the death of the couple, which underlines the seriousness of the accident.

The increasing number of accidents involving e-scooters is a worrying phenomenon. Loud Destatis The number of e-scooter accidents with personal injuries rose by 14.1% to 9,425 accidents in 2023. The number of fatalities doubled during this period from 11 to 22. What is particularly alarming is that the most common causes of accidents, such as incorrect road use (19.4%) and the influence of alcohol (15.1%), indicate increased risk behavior among drivers.

Statistics and trends in e-scooter traffic

The analysis shows that 41.6% of those injured were under 25 years old, while only 3.4% of those affected were 65 years old or older. In addition, 83.0% of those injured were riding an e-scooter themselves, which suggests that many accidents are solo accidents. Of the 22 fatalities, 12 died in solo accidents, and 48.0% of e-scooter users were injured in collisions with cars, which raises further questions about road safety.

The increase in accidents is largely attributed to the increasing number of e-scooters, which have become increasingly popular since they were approved for use on the roads in Germany on June 15, 2019. The urban structure also has an influence on the number of accidents: 60% of e-scooter accidents occurred in large cities, with 36.4% taking place in cities with at least half a million inhabitants. In comparison, bicycle accidents, which account for around six percent of traffic accidents, are much more common.

Risks and legal framework conditions

The legal requirements for e-scooter drivers are also important. A minimum age of 14 is required, but a driving license is not. Drivers must use cycle paths or protective lanes where available; the use of sidewalks is prohibited. There is also an alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille, while people under 21 and new drivers are not allowed to consume alcohol.

The police remain vigilant in view of the increasing usage and accident rates. Loud emobility insider There were only slight changes in accidents involving alcohol or drugs in 2023, and similar numbers are expected in the coming years. Although e-scooters were only involved in 3.2% of the total 291,890 accidents resulting in personal injury, this category of traffic remains a challenge for road safety.