Rail journeys prove to be significantly less hazardous compared to motor vehicle travel
In the year 2022, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office, road traffic continued to be a concern, with a significant number of fatalities and injuries. However, the statistics also highlighted a stark contrast in safety between different modes of transport.
Trains, it seems, are among the safest. The risk of dying in a train accident is 52 times lower than in a car, making them an attractive choice for many commuters. In 2023, only 129 people were killed by trains, while 1,192 car occupants lost their lives on the roads.
The safety of trains is further emphasised when comparing them to other modes of transport. Motorcyclists, scooter riders, cyclists, pedestrians, and truck drivers all have a higher risk of traffic fatalities compared to train travel. In 2022, cyclists accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities, pedestrians accounted for 13%, and motorcyclists and scooter riders accounted for 18%.
The statistics also revealed that almost 90% of all train-related deaths are attributed to "users of railway crossings" and "unauthorized persons on railway tracks." This underscores the importance of adhering to safety rules at railway crossings and staying off the tracks.
Trains are not completely free of accidents, but the probability of being seriously injured or killed in a train accident is "extremely low." Even compared to other safe modes of transport such as ships, buses, and trams, trains still have a lower risk.
The interest group Allianz pro Schiene, which is made up of environmental and consumer associations, automobile clubs, and trade unions, and is funded by the railway industry, has been advocating for the increased use of trains. They argue that the safety benefits, coupled with the environmental advantages, make trains an attractive option for commuters.
Road traffic, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly safer, with a decline in traffic fatalities and serious injuries for several years. However, the statistics show that there is still much work to be done to make our roads safer for all users.
In 2023, there were approximately 1,297 road traffic deaths in Germany, and about 15 fatalities occurred at railway crossings. While the exact total for combined road and railway deaths that year is not explicitly provided, it is clear that a significant number of lives could be saved by improving safety measures in both areas.
In conclusion, while road traffic continues to be a concern, the statistics show that trains remain among the safest modes of transport. By adhering to safety rules and advocating for safer roads and railway crossings, we can work towards a future where fewer lives are lost on our roads and tracks.
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