Increase in Fatalities: A Spike in Road Accident Deaths Observed During Early 2025

In the first six months of 2025, Germany has seen a significant decrease in the number of road traffic accidents compared to the same period in 2024. Preliminary results show that there were 23,300 fewer accidents, representing a 2% decrease. However, this decrease does not indicate a clear downward trend towards Vision Zero, the goal of achieving zero traffic fatalities.

The number of people injured in traffic accidents in Germany increased to 175,000 in the first half of 2025, while the number of deaths slightly rose as well during the same period. Despite fewer overall accidents, there was a slight increase in fatalities from 1,297 to 1,322 between January and June 2025. On a per capita basis, an average of 16 people died in road traffic accidents in Germany in the first half of 2025, unchanged from the same period in 2024 and 2023.

Interestingly, the trend in June 2025 suggests a shift towards more severe accidents compared to the first half of the year. The number of accidents with only property damage decreased by 12%, but the number of accidents involving personal injury increased by 3%. As a result, around 37,000 road users were injured in June 2025, an increase of 2%.

The most concerning statistic, however, is the number of fatalities. In June 2025, the number of fatalities increased compared to the same period in 2024 and 2023, with 301 fatalities recorded, the highest number since June 2023. This marks the first month in 2025 where the number of fatalities increased compared to the same month in the previous year.

Overall, the first half of 2025 has shown a decrease in the number of accidents with only property damage, but an increase in accidents involving personal injury and fatalities. These findings emphasise the need for continued efforts to improve road safety in Germany and work towards the goal of Vision Zero.

In conclusion, while the number of accidents has decreased, the number of fatalities and injuries has shown a concerning increase. It is crucial to continue focusing on road safety measures to ensure the safety of all road users in Germany.