Red alert: Transport Minister warns of alleged floods of potholes!

Red alert: Transport Minister warns of alleged floods of potholes!

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the situation of the roads is becoming increasingly precarious. Transport Minister Oliver Krischer from the Green Party makes no secret of his concerns about the increasing number of potholes and the poor condition of bridges on federal highways. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” he sharply criticized the fact that the federal government has cut financial resources for the preservation and maintenance of these important transport routes. This austerity policy has a direct impact on road safety, which, according to Krischer, could suffer significantly from next year. He therefore calls on Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) to take immediate measures to counteract the impending increase in potholes and broken bridges and makes it clear: “There is something going on!”

This problem is not just a local political issue. The financial pressure on the transport infrastructure will also be discussed at the upcoming transport ministers' conference in Straubing, Bavaria. The transport ministers of the federal states and the federal transport minister will meet there on Wednesday and Thursday. The agenda includes important topics such as the infrastructure special fund, the Deutschlandticket and the future of rail transport in Germany. The focus is on how we can improve road safety in Germany with the available resources.

Potholes as a traffic obstacle

The condition of the roads has a direct impact on accident statistics. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has formulated the ambitious “Vision Zero” goal as part of the 2021-2030 traffic safety program. This honest plan envisages that there should be no more deaths or serious injuries on the roads in the future. However, in order to achieve this goal, a well-functioning infrastructure is necessary. This shows that exchange between the states and the federal government is essential in order to quickly get necessary measures and investments in infrastructure on track.

The Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) provides important information on traffic safety. This institution carries out around 260 of its own research projects every year and is therefore a central player in improving road safety. The results of their work are published in reports and the “Research Compact” series and offer valuable insights into current trends and challenges in road traffic. In addition to the large number of studies, the support offered for specific road safety topics is also considerable, such as the provision of free brochures and guides.

Allergic reactions in traffic?

A seemingly foreign point in this context is the discussion about allergies and their impact on road safety. There are medications, such as Furoato de Mometasone, which is used to treat allergic rhinitis. Since allergic reactions, especially during pollen season, can impair the ability to react, it is important that road users are well informed and take precautions if necessary. Parents should conduct educational work to raise awareness of such circumstances.The associated medication is from MedicinePLM comprehensively described.

Road traffic is an area that is constantly moving and for which we all have responsibility. It remains to be hoped that the upcoming talks in Straubing will lead to meaningful cooperation and that, as a result, the road transport infrastructure will not only be maintained but also improved.