Tractor accident in Hägglingen: 14-year-old seriously injured!

Tractor accident in Hägglingen: 14-year-old seriously injured!

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, an unfortunate traffic accident occurred in Hägglingen, Switzerland, in which a 14-year-old tractor steer was injured. The incident happened shortly before 8 p.m. when the young driver drove towards the village center and steered on a gravel square. He collided with two goods transport supporters, which led to the tractor overturning. The young person then had to be brought to the hospital, while the property damage was considerable both on the tractor and the vehicles involved. The Aargau cantonal police are now in the process of examining the course of the accident. The driver's driver's license was removed by the police and handed over to the withdrawal authority, since people aged 14 and over can acquire the Guide ID of the G category in Switzerland. This category allows the driving of agricultural and forestry motor vehicles at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. Young people usually steer tractors in agricultural companies, which makes the accident particularly tragic for many in the region.

accident analysis and security problem

The dangers associated with the driving of agricultural vehicles and machines, a skill light on the security situation in agriculture. According to Swiss farmer , vehicles in this sector have a high accident rate, which makes this industry considered one of the most dangerous. Ruedi Burgherr, the head of the advice center for accident prevention in agriculture (BUL), made it clear that a total of 944 fatal accidents were registered in agriculture between 1996 and 2017. Around half of these deaths were the result of accidents in dealing with agricultural vehicles and machines.

Although the number of fatal work accidents reached a low last year, agriculture remains dangerous. Burgherr reports of a decline in the number of farmers, which can be regarded as a contribution to reducing the probability of accident. Measures to improve security in this area include the introduction of driver protection for all tractors and the obligation to carry seat belts, even when driving slowly.

measures for accident prevention

The BUL also suggests that security concepts for companies with employees to be obliged, while family businesses are excluded. Common causes of accident are not only missing railings that lead to falls, but also misconduct and lack of respect for safety regulations. In the case of a large part of the accidents, technical defects are not responsible, but the drivers' mistakes. The security situation could be further improved by better equipment of vehicles such as mirrors and child seats.

The tragedy in Hägglingen may serve as a warning example to draw attention to the necessary security measures in agriculture and to promote the responsible use of vehicles. Expert training and an increased security awareness are crucial to avoid future accidents. The BUL and other institutions continuously work on improving security in agriculture and thus reducing the number of accidents.