After the past few years were clearly characterized by the coronavirus pandemic and the associated measures, we saw a slow return to normality in 2022.
We are also noticing this on the district's roads: traffic seems to have returned to normal and is taking place with the intensity of the pre-corona period.
This is also reflected in the traffic accident statistics of the Unna district police authority (KPB) for 2022. Although the number of traffic accidents was still 533 cases lower than in 2019 at 8083 accidents, there was an increase of 858 cases since the previous year.
Unfortunately, the number of road accidents with injuries also increased significantly by 205 cases, meaning that the 2019 level was reached and exceeded again. Tragically, four people died on the roads of KPB Unna again last year. Fortunately, this is fewer than in 2021, but this can be no consolation - because every road death is one too many.
A look at the number of accidents involving bicycles and pedelecs is cause for concern. While there has been a steady increase in the number of road users with these vehicles in recent years, this has unfortunately also been reflected in the number of road accidents. However, it should also be noted that more than half of those involved in accidents were also the cause of the accidents.
In this regard, it is important to take action not only through consistent traffic monitoring, but also in the area of prevention in order to raise awareness among road users in the sector.
It remains clear that the responsibility for safe participation in road traffic lies with the individual. Road accidents can be avoided through careful and considerate behavior. And everyone can play a part in making road traffic safer.
The Unna district police authority will make its contribution in the area of traffic monitoring and prevention to ensure that participation in road traffic in the district is as safe as possible.