Safe way to school: political pressure for more pedestrian crossings!

Safe way to school: political pressure for more pedestrian crossings!

On March 26, 2025, Michael Simon, member of the state parliament, sent a letter to the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport. In this, he calls for information on the criteria for the independent establishment of pedestrian crossings and crosswalks by municipalities. Simon emphasizes the urgent need for safe crossings, especially in the vicinity of daycare centers and primary schools. Parents and local politicians are committed to more scope for action to defuse danger spots in these sensitive areas.

Background of this initiative is the planned amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), which is intended to grant municipalities more decision -making skills. Simon wants to receive clear information from the ministry in order to clarify communities about their possibilities to improve traffic safety for children and seniors. The information should be passed on to the communities of his constituency as soon as possible.

criteria for pedestrian crossing

The establishment of pedestrian crossings requires the notification to the road traffic authority via dangerous situations. Certain prerequisites must be met, including the fact that the pedestrian crossing is only permitted in the urban on illuminated roads with a maximum of one lane per direction. The number of crossing pedestrians and motor vehicles also plays an important role. At least 50 crossing pedestrians per working day and 200 motor vehicles in the same hour are a prerequisite for setting up an overwhelming. In addition, the maximum speed must be a maximum of 50 km/h.

It is also essential that sidewalks are available on both sides of the trouble and the visibility of the overwhelming is guaranteed. Security standards stipulate that visibility of 50 meters must be observed at 50 km/h and 30 meters at 30 km/h. Pedestrian crossings are not permitted in certain areas. For example near the traffic lights, over businers or on the offending ancestors.

traffic safety for children

The relevance of security for pedestrians, especially children, is underpinned by the alarming numbers. In 2023, 27,235 children in Germany died in road traffic, 44 of them died. The 22 children who, as pedestrians, were fatally incapacitated. The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) therefore supports various programs to increase traffic safety.

A new campaign with Pumuckl provides information about safe crossing of the road, traffic rules and turning. In addition, various training programs for parents were initiated to promote child -friendly behavior in road traffic. Traffic safety is also strengthened by various projects such as "Children in Road Traffic" or the pilot project "Child Transport Garden", where kindergarten children can learn safe behavior in road traffic.

Additional measures include traffic brochures for children and school route plans that are intended to help to promote safe paths. A comprehensive goal of all initiatives is to safely transport children up to 12 years or less than 150 cm in the car. 99.5% of the children are currently secured, but only 35% are properly secured.