82-year-old falls into death by car 20 meters: tragedy in Krems-Land

82-year-old falls into death by car 20 meters: tragedy in Krems-Land

In the district of Krems-Land in Lower Austria, a tragic traffic accident occurred on Monday afternoon, June 3, 2025. An 82-year-old wife fatally injured when her car came off the L 7046 and fell about 20 meters into rough terrain. The exact event that led to the agreement from the road is previously unknown. The police said that the woman rose fatal injuries in the fall, which raises concern about traffic safety again.

As the ADAC states, a decrease in reaction and vision is often associated with the progressing age. In the case of older road users in particular, consideration of their own driving ability is of great importance. Statistics show that 2023 people aged 65 and over have caused 18.5 % of accidents with personal injury, even though they only make up about 22 % of the population. Over half of the fatal pedestrians and cyclists were 65 or older, which illustrates the susceptibility of this age group.

challenges for older drivers

older people are particularly at risk than road users. This is mainly due to greater vulnerability and changes in cognitive and motor skills. A survey shows that 59.3 % of the fatally crashed cycling and pedestrians were at least 65 years old in 2023. In the killed car inmates, 33.2 % belonged to this age group, which illustrates how important it is to take suitable measures to promote traffic safety for seniors.

Experts emphasize that age groups should not be convicted. A predicting driving style is often typical of older drivers. The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) supports activities for traffic safety, including through traffic safety days that provide information about turning accidents, secure cycling and other topics free of charge. Programs such as "Stay mobile, but safe!" Help older people to make their mobility safe and autonomous.

Measures for traffic safety

The ADAC offers special driving fitness checks that serve to optimize the driving style and show possible potential for improvement. In addition, regular medical examinations are recommended to check the eyesight in good time, for example. In dealing with health problems, older road users should seek talking to their doctor.

Another important aspect is the promotion of mindfulness of younger road users to older road users. Projects such as the senior campaign "I feel young. I only need longer" sensitize younger age groups to more consideration in road traffic.

For more information about the challenges and solutions to traffic safety for older road users, see OE24, ADAC and bmdv.