Security debate after tram accidents: Munich's stops in focus!

Security debate after tram accidents: Munich's stops in focus!

Donnersbergerstraße, 80339 München, Deutschland - Munich in summer 2025 - the topic of security at stops of local public transport is more current than ever. On May 7, 2023 there was a tragic accident at the Donnersbergerstrasse tram stop. An SUV driver raced into a waiting house at high speed after having lost control of his vehicle. In this incident, several people were injured, including a 22-year-old student and a 79-year-old Munich woman who succumbed to her injuries a few days later. This incident has flared up a heated debate about necessary security measures at tram and bus stops, as the Süddeutsche Zeitung

In Germany, accidents at stops are not a rare phenomenon. According to an investigation, 4,130 people were registered with personal losses in 3,294 accidents in 2018, 46 of which ended fatally. About 94 % of these accidents happen in urban areas. Nevertheless, accidents at stops in the statistics seem to be underrepresented, since only around 10 % of accidents at tram stops go into the official statistics. This suggests that there is great potential to improve security, such as the Udv analyzed.

measures to improve security

The security debate has led to various suggestions in Munich. On the part of Munich's third mayor Dominik Krause, the urgency emphasizes additional security measures, even if legal framework conditions often make this difficult. An example of positive developments is the redesigned novel square in Nymphenburg, where structural changes increased the safety for waiting at stops. There are increased platforms and splash protection railings available here to protect passengers.

However, there are also critical voices on these measures. The Pro Bahn passenger association criticizes that the new railings may be a source of danger themselves and instead demand bollards as a more sensible security measure. The problem is hardened by further accident reports, such as the death of three people in a red traffic light accident in Leipzig in 2021 or the fatal accident of a 22-year-old who raced through Munich on July 9, 2023.

statistical knowledge and recommendations for action

The latest statistics also reveal that stop areas have a higher accident density than other traffic zones. A comprehensive examination of the UDV has shown that traffic safety at tram stops can be improved by various measures such as medium separations and signal -related fuses. Suitable behavioral analyzes should also be carried out in order to identify and prevent potential dangers at an early stage. For example, recommendations include the construction of crossing aids a maximum of 20 meters from stops and coordinated cycling systems to minimize accident risks.

The results of these studies are not only of interest in local transport policy, but also for security-oriented legislation and traffic education, as the Statistics of the Federal . The goal remains a complete recording and comprehensive analysis of accidents in order to be able to take preventive measures.

The discussion of security at stops continues to be fueled by the recent incidents. It remains to be hoped that the tragic experiences will teach to ensure the safety of passengers in Munich in the long term.