After a return to normality was observed on the district's roads last year, this was also reflected in the accident figures for 2023.
The total number of traffic accidents rose again, with 8420 accidents last year, 337 more than in 2022 (8083).
From a police perspective, however, the decline in accidents involving personal injury is encouraging, which is also reflected in the number of casualties.
But even though 124 fewer people were injured in road accidents, the figure of 973 casualties is still far too high.
Therefore, one of the main tasks of the police is and remains to further reduce this figure through preventive and repressive work.
In 2022, the number of traffic accidents involving bicycles and pedelecs was already a cause for concern. The increase in mobility due to "motorized" bicycles was clearly reflected in the statistics last year in the number of accidents involving this type of traffic.
A slight all-clear can also be given here. The number of accidents involving this group fell, which was also reflected in the number of casualties. At the express request of Minister Reul, preventative work was stepped up in this area in order to raise awareness of the dangers and sensitize people to them.
This year, the focus will once again be on preventative work, starting with the youngest road users and extending to senior citizens, in order to achieve a further reduction in the number of accidents.
In addition, however, the strategy of consistent repressive traffic monitoring will also be pursued further, as the two areas are inextricably linked.
With this in mind, I would like to appeal to all road users that they can contribute to road safety through their own careful and considerate behavior.
The Unna district police will make its contribution to road safety through its work in the areas of traffic prevention and monitoring, so that you always arrive safely at your destination.