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 on the B14 near St. Andrä/Wördern at 7:35 p.m., in which a 13-year-old boy from the Tulln district, who was traveling with his youth bike, was hit by a car. According to Fireworld initially stopped to cross the road in a 90-degree angle. The 13-year-old drove without a bicycle helmet on the walking and bike path towards Zeiselmauer.

When crossing the street, the boy was caught by a car, directed by a 19-year-old from the Tulln district. The force of the impact hurled the boy about 20 meters above the windshield of the vehicle. He suffered serious injuries and had to be flown to the Donaustadt clinic with an emergency helicopter. The driver of the car stated that they had not noticed the cyclists due to the low sun.

accident criteria and impact

The B14 was completely blocked during the accident recording and a local diversion was set up. This situation once again raises the topic of traffic safety for cyclists, in particular the wearing of helmets, which demonstrably reduces the risk of head injuries. Studies show that wearing a helmet can avoid 20 to 80 percent of the head injuries, as described in an analysis of I wear Helm

In 2021, only 32 percent of cyclists regularly wore a helmet in Germany, with the helmet quota for 11 to 16 year olds with 38 percent recorded a significant decline compared to the previous year. A statement that seems all the more important against the background of the accident, since over 50 percent of the killed cyclists had suffered a traumatic brain trauma in accidents.

bicycle security and equipment

The Federal Transport Code stipulates that bicycle travelers must be clearly visible in order to avoid accidents. The basic equipment of vehicles is set in the road traffic registration regulations, which, among other things, provides for two independent brakes and a brightly torn bell. A lack of spring on the handlebar can be punished with a fine of 15 euros, as is explained on the page of the ADAC

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

The tragic incident on the B14 once again illustrates the importance of safe bicycle practices and the need for cyclists to wear. This simple measure can be crucial to avoid serious injuries.