Tanker truck hits 73-year-old in Cologne-Riehl – ​​seriously injured!

Tanker truck hits 73-year-old in Cologne-Riehl – ​​seriously injured!

Early on Wednesday afternoon there was a tragic traffic accident in Cologne-Riehl in which a 73-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured. The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. when the woman wanted to cross the street “An der Schanz”. A tanker truck driving into the city hit the elderly woman, who then had to receive immediate medical attention. She is now receiving intensive care treatment in a clinic, while the 43-year-old driver of the truck remained on site.

The police took immediate action to determine the exact cause of the accident. A traffic accident investigation team secured the evidence at the scene of the accident. Due to the investigation, several streets in the area, including Boltensternstrasse and Riehler Strasse, were temporarily closed. Motorists were asked by the police to avoid the area as far as possible so as not to hinder the work.

Current traffic situation

The incident in Cologne comes in the context of a worrying traffic situation in Germany. According to the German Road Safety Council (DVR), a total of 2,839 people died in traffic accidents in 2023, representing an increase of 1.8% compared to the previous year. The number of injured people also rose by 1.5% to over 366,000 people. Manfred Wirsch, President of the DVR, calls for more attention to the safety of pedestrians, as the number of those affected has shown a worrying trend in recent years. The new legal regulations, such as the possible arrangement of zebra crossings without proof of a particular risk, are also intended to help minimize the risk of foot traffic.

The amendment to the StVO, which is already being discussed by the federal states, also stipulates that 30 km/h zones at schools and playgrounds can be set up more easily in the future. This could bring a positive development for traffic safety in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

A call to improve road safety

The recent accident in Cologne shows once again how important it is to take measures to ensure road safety. Wirsch emphasizes that the federal government and local authorities are required to take action and develop practical pedestrian traffic strategies. Increased traffic enforcement and appropriate speed limits are crucial to protecting pedestrian lives and preventing similar incidents in the future.

The events in Cologne are alarming and remind us how important our attention is in traffic. The DPR and local authorities have a responsibility to ensure safety for all road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians.

For further information on the accident numbers and their impact on road safety, click on DVR or find out more about the incident in Cologne on rheinische-anzeigenblaetter.