Tragedy on Lake Garda: German couple dies in scooter accident

Tragedy on Lake Garda: German couple dies in scooter accident

Torri del Benaco, Italien - A tragic incident occurred on Lake Garda, in which a German couple died in a scooter accident. According to Oe24 occurred on a street that leads from Torrel Benaco towards Albisano. The driver of the e-scooter lost control of the vehicle for reasons that have so far been unexplained and crashed into a wall. The rescue workers were only able to determine the death of the couple, which underlines the severity of the accident.

The increasing number of accidents with e-scooters are a worrying phenomenon. According to Destatis , the number of e-scooter accidents with personal damage in 2023 increased by 14.1 % to 9.425 accidents. The number of fatalities doubled during this period from 11 to 22. It is particularly alarming that the most common causes of accidents, such as false road uses (19.4 %) and alcohol influence (15.1 %), indicate increased risk behavior among travelers.

statistics and trends in e-scooter traffic

The analysis shows that 41.6 % of the injured were under 25, while only 3.4 % of those affected were 65 or older. In addition, 83.0 % of the victims themselves were traveling with the e-scooter, which indicates that many accidents are sole accidents. Of the 22 fatalities, 12 died in single accidents, and 48.0 % of the e-scooter users injured themselves in collisions with cars, which raises further questions about traffic safety.

The increase in accidents is largely attributed to the increasing number of e-scooters, which have become increasingly popular since their admission in road traffic in Germany on June 15, 2019. The city structure also has an impact on the number of accidents: 60 % of e-scooter accidents occurred in large cities, with 36.4 % in cities with at least half a million inhabitants. In comparison, bicycle accidents that make up about 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 years is required, but a driver's license is not. The drivers have to use bike paths or protective strips where available, where there is; The use of sidewalks is prohibited. In addition, an alcohol limit of 0.5 per thousand applies, while under 21-year-olds and newcomers to driving license are not allowed to consume alcohol.

The police remain vigilant in view of the increasing number of uses and accidents. According to Emobility-insider there were only slight changes in accidents under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and similar figures will also be expected for the coming years. Although e-scooters were only involved in 3.2 % of a total of 291,890 accidents with personal injury, this traffic category remains a challenge for safety on the streets.