Two drivers crash into shop windows – a blessing in disguise in Stade!

Two drivers crash into shop windows – a blessing in disguise in Stade!

Two traffic accidents recently caused a stir in the Stade district when two drivers drove into shop windows. The mishaps occurred in the community of Dollern and Buxtehude on a Monday known for its turbulent events. Fortunately, both drivers and pedestrians were uninjured, police confirmed. However, this was not the only recent traffic incident that highlights the road traffic statistics in the Stade district.

The first incident occurred in Buxtehude, where a 78-year-old man drove over the curb and broke through a shop window while trying to park in front of a furniture store. Luckily, his vehicle stopped on a building pillar, preventing anything worse from happening. The driver explained that he had “issues with his footwear,” which affected his attempt to park. A few kilometers away in Dollern, a 78-year-old driver tried to park in a parking space in front of a department store. It also failed and landed over the curb into a shop window, damaging a window and a shelf. The estimated damage in both cases was at least 18,000 euros. The police found that neither driver was impaired in their ability to drive and fortunately there were no injuries.

Current accident numbers in the Stade district

These incidents fit into the latest accident statistics for the Stade district. According to a report by District newspaper weekly 2024 was a relatively safe year, with only four traffic fatalities - the lowest number since surveys began in 1981. Nevertheless, the total number of traffic accidents reached 4,747, a slight increase compared to the previous year. The statistics show that the number of seriously injured people was reduced to 93, while 720 people were slightly injured. A trend that those responsible want to continue to monitor.

What is particularly striking is the increase in alcohol-related accidents, which has risen to 85 cases. Accidents involving e-scooters have also more than doubled and reached 50 cases. The police point out that 18 percent of accidents involve drivers who are between 18 and 24 years old, although two novice drivers tragically died in an accident in Harsefeld. The authorities underline the need to take targeted preventative measures to further reduce these numbers.

According to those responsible, the main causes of accidents in the district are a lack of safe distance, driving errors when turning or reversing and excessive speed. Animal crossing also remained a common cause of accidents, with 806 cases, which should not be underestimated, especially in urban areas. Police Chief Thomas Ring emphasizes that prevention and education are essential components of an effective traffic safety policy in order to avoid future accidents.

It remains to be seen what measures the police will take to further increase road safety and enable the population to drive safely. A look at the street shows that there is still a lot to do.