German reunification in 1990 affected road safety and led to an increase in the risk of being fatally injured. This was associated with newly gained freedom to travel, rising car ownership and a higher level of novice drivers. The death rate was reduced by 33% from 1991 to 1999. Enforcement and road infrastructure measures helped improve road safety on the Autobahn. Education and awareness campaigns targeted young drivers. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentrations was reduced in 1998, resulting in a reduction in drink-drive accidents. In 2000, the downward trend in road user fatalities continued. In 2001, the Federal Minister for Transport, Building and Housing released the 'Programme for Improved Road Safety' to create a better road transport climate, protect vulnerable road users, reduce the accident risk incurred by young drivers, reduce the danger involved in heavy goods vehicles transport and to improve road safety on rural roads.
Samenvatting