Cologne launches campaign: Someone loves you! Stand with red!

Cologne launches campaign: Someone loves you! Stand with red!

At Barbarossaplatz in Cologne, the city is making a new attempt to improve traffic safety. The campaign, which begins with an emotional appeal, carries the slogan "Someone loves you. Stop at red!" Traffic department head Ascan Egerer and Michael Lindlar from the police sprayed it on the asphalt in neon yellow paint as a strong signal against the dangers of red light violations. The sprayed large red heart that is presented as part of this campaign is made from degradable spray chalk and sums up the emotional connection to road users. The campaign aims to raise awareness among pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter drivers in particular about the risks of red light violations. By September 2023, there had already been 72 such violations in Cologne with serious consequences, which is why it is high time to start actions like this to raise awareness. Egerer emphasizes that caring for loved ones is at the heart of this initiative, while Lindlar points out the life-threatening consequences that red light violations can have.

Overall, the ADAC has taken a closer look at the situation in Cologne. A survey by the automobile club showed that 449 red light violations were recorded at four different intersections within just four hours. Pedestrians were the road users with the most violations. 8.3% of pedestrians did not obey red lights, while e-scooter drivers and cyclists were also conspicuous at 5.9% and 4.8% respectively. The study includes 12,392 road users and highlights the explosive situation, with an average red light violation rate of 3.6%. In addition, Cologne recorded a tragic 5 deaths and 47 seriously injured people in 2023 due to red light violations. A clear sign that there is a need for action.

High numbers and recommendations

In a nationwide comparison, these figures show that Cologne, like other large cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig and Munich, struggles with a high number of red light violations. In view of the traffic education deficits, the ADAC recommends increased control of traffic lights and checking of traffic light switching. In addition, the installation of traffic light speed cameras could be an option when there is a high volume of vehicles in order to further increase safety.

The campaign, which will be visible throughout the city from November 11, 2023, is an important step in the right direction. The slogan is not only painted on the ground at selected intersections, but also presented on Vario boards and posters. By drawing attention to the problem using an emotional approach, the city of Cologne could succeed in sustainably changing the behavior of road users and thus increasing safety on the streets. As the data shows, “there is something there” – because every measure counts to reduce the risk and avoid future tragic accidents.

For a safer future, it is important that all road users behave in solidarity and obey the traffic rules. This is the need of the hour to make the streets of the cathedral city safer. Review online and ADAC clearly show how urgently these measures are needed.