Road traffic fatalities in Germany decreased slightly in 2024, according to finalized data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). A total of 2,770 people died in road traffic accidents, a reduction of 69 compared to 2023 (2,839) and relatively similar to 2022 (2,788).
The number of injuries sustained in road traffic accidents totaled approximately 365,000, a minor increase from the 366,600 recorded in 2023. Of these, around 314,400 were classified as minor injuries and 50,600 as serious injuries. The recorded number of serious injuries represents the lowest level since 1991, when detailed distinctions between serious and minor injuries were first recorded. Daily, on average, eight people died, 138 sustained serious injuries and 859 were slightly injured.
Overall, police-recorded road traffic accidents numbered approximately 2.51 million in 2024, slightly below the 2.52 million recorded in 2023, representing a decrease of 0.3 percent. Property damage accidents accounted for 2.22 million incidents (-0.3 percent), while accidents involving injury or fatality totaled 291,000, a 0.4 percent decrease.
The number of accidents involving at least one driver under the influence of alcohol decreased to 35,100, down from 37,200 in 2023, returning to levels seen between 2014 and 2019. An average of one alcohol-related accident occurred every 15 minutes. These accidents resulted in 198 fatalities and 17,800 injuries.
The majority of accidents occurred within urban areas, accounting for roughly 74 percent of recorded incidents. Two-thirds of all injuries were sustained in urban accidents, while a quarter occurred on country roads and around one tenth on motorways.
A higher proportion of fatalities occurred on country roads, largely due to factors such as higher speeds and limited visibility. Of those killed, 57 percent died on country roads, 33 percent within urban areas and 10 percent on motorways.
A significant portion of road deaths occurred among senior citizens aged 65 and older, with a rise to 1,101 fatalities, representing 40 percent of all traffic deaths. Pedelecs and standard bicycles were also involved in a notable number of fatal accidents within this age group.
Excessive speed remains the primary cause of fatal accidents. It accounted for 30 percent of fatalities and 13 percent of all injuries. Failure to maintain a safe distance and disregard for right-of-way were factors in 15 percent of accidents involving injury or fatality.
A concerning trend involved child fatalities, with 53 children under the age of 15 losing their lives, an increase from the 44 recorded in 2023. An average of one child was injured roughly every 19 minutes.