Flood of breakdowns on Usedom: ADAC is fighting against a workshop shortage!
The ADAC records up to 20 missions per day on Usedom, and there is a shortage of workshops during the summer months.

Flood of breakdowns on Usedom: ADAC is fighting against a workshop shortage!
The Baltic Sea island of Usedom is once again proving to be a popular travel destination this summer, which is also reflected in the increased number of roadside assistance cases. As the Baltic Sea newspaper reports that the ADAC on Usedom records up to 20 missions per day in the high season. This is particularly notable as summer, May to September, traditionally brings with it the greatest number of roadside assistance calls.
The number of missions has increased significantly in the past few months: 495 missions were counted in June 2025 and 584 missions in July. By August 21, 2025, the number totaled 3,084 missions, with more than half of these missions occurring in the warm months. Almost half of the cases involved simple roadside assistance that did not require towing.
Most common causes of breakdowns
A look at the most common causes of breakdowns shows that the starter battery takes the lead in 45% of cases. What is striking is that ten years ago only 36% of deployments were caused by batteries. Around 22% are due to problems with the engine electronics. Holidaymakers also often struggle with lost keys and punctured tires.
The average age of vehicles towed on Usedom is seven years, which is relatively young compared to the national average of ten years. However, this age does not influence the frequency of accidents, as carelessness and inappropriate speed are still the main causes of traffic accidents.
Lack of workshops on Usedom
Both ADAC and local transport services warn of an acute lack of workshop capacity on the island. Many towings have to take place on the mainland, which makes the situation even more difficult for breakdown victims. These bottlenecks are particularly noticeable among the numerous holidaymakers who visit the island.
The current traffic situation on Usedom also shows that other roads, such as the B110 and B111, are also repeatedly affected by traffic jams and accidents. Traffic disruptions haven't lasted long recently, but the island with its picturesque streets remains heavily frequented.
A comprehensive breakdown report at national level reveals that ADAC road rescue drivers provided assistance over 3.6 million times in 2024. This represents an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year, with problems with car batteries still being the most common cause. This shows that there is a problem with older vehicles and maintenance, not only in Usedom, but also throughout Germany ADAC roadside assistance balance sheet shows.
The combination of seasonal increases in traffic density and a lack of on-site support poses major challenges for roadside assistance staff - both tourists and locals. The ADAC therefore recommends planning vehicle maintenance early to avoid breakdowns during your vacation. Overall, however, Usedom remains a popular destination that attracts many people despite all the challenges.