79-year-old dies after fatal turning mistake in Straubing-Bogen

79-year-old dies after fatal turning mistake in Straubing-Bogen

A serious traffic accident occurred in the Straubing-Bogen district, in which a 79-year-old man suffered fatal injuries. The incident happened when the senior wanted to turn onto the B20 in Steinach with his car. He overlooked a car that had the right of way and whose 32-year-old driver was no longer able to avoid a collision. In the impact, the young driver and his 26-year-old passenger were slightly injured, while the 79-year-old and his 70-year-old passenger suffered serious injuries. Both had to be freed from the vehicle by the fire department.

All four injured people were immediately taken to nearby hospitals, but the 79-year-old died a short time later from his injuries. The highway was temporarily closed during the accident investigation and the subsequent rescue work. Both vehicles were totaled and an expert was called in to clarify the exact cause of the accident. This tragic incident raises pressing questions about the safety of older drivers.

Growing risks in road traffic

Older road users are generally more at risk than dangerous. As you get older, your ability to react and your eyesight can decrease, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road. The ADAC therefore recommends that seniors regularly self-critically check their ability to drive. According to the 2024 accident statistics, people aged 65 and over caused 19.3% of personal injury accidents, which is less than their population share of 23%. Nevertheless, the risk in traffic is particularly high for this age group.

More than half of pedestrians and cyclists who are fatally injured are 65 years of age or older. Even among Pedelec users, almost 70% of those who died in accidents are from this age group. However, ADAC expert Ulrich Chiellino emphasizes that age alone does not indicate fitness to drive. Instead, health status and driving experience are decisive factors for accident-free participation in road traffic. It is therefore recommended to carry out regular medical examinations, especially of eyesight.

Safely mobile in old age

For older road users, the ADAC offers helpful programs such as “Sicher mobil”, which make it easier to keep track of traffic. This program is aimed at active road users aged 65 and over, regardless of their mode of transport. Driving fitness checks and driver safety training are also available for seniors to help them drive and make them safer.

The tragedy in Steinach should serve as an impetus to question your own driving behavior and the associated risks. It is important that older drivers regularly check themselves and, if necessary, seek help in a timely manner to ensure their safety and that of other road users.

For more information about this incident and road safety for older people, please visit the Borken newspaper, the Allgäu newspaper, as well as on the website of the ADAC.