Heilbronn Police's 'Safe School Route' Action Targets Child Accidents
The Heilbronn Police Headquarters recently conducted a two-week 'Safe School Route' action in September, aiming to reduce accidents involving children and young people on their way to school. The initiative, named 'Sicherer Schulweg', involved setting up 188 control points and recording various offenses and violations.
In Baden-Württemberg, a total of 11,556 accidents occurred on school routes in 2024, highlighting the need for such an action. The police recorded 137 parking and stopping violations, often on pedestrian and bike paths or at intersections. Defects in bicycle technical conditions, particularly those of schoolchildren, were recorded 82 times. Misbehavior of students on their way to school was noted 124 times. The most common offense was the violation of seat belt and child restraint obligations, with 117 cases recorded. Additionally, 93 violations related to school buses, bus stops, and pedestrian crossings were noted. Excessive speed, especially near dangerous spots for children, was recorded 71 times. The use of mobile phones and electronic devices while driving was recorded 29 times. Problems with 'parents' taxis' were identified, particularly at schools in Buchen and Schwaigern.
The 'Safe School Route' action did not identify any local clusters of school route accidents in the area of the Heilbronn Police Headquarters. The initiative included preventive measures, such as preparing children for their future school route through play, aiming to reduce accidents and ensure safer journeys to school.
