The 60th Traffic Law Day 2022 in Goslar - a summary
From August 17-19, almost 1,300 traffic experts from Germany and the EU met for the 60th Traffic Law Day in Goslar. Debates were held among the experts in various working groups. As a result, a number of recommendations were made to politicians for areas where there is a need to catch up. We present the recommendations in an overview.
More flexibility in the sanctioning of infringements
The aim of the recommendation is to avoid the imposition of driving bans and fines as far as possible. To this end, traffic offenders should in future be given the opportunity to take part in alternative measures such as driving safety training, lessons at driving schools or courses at the traffic watchdog in order to avoid a driving ban or fine. It should also be possible to suspend a driving ban on probation.
In addition, professional, family and financial aspects in particular should be taken into account when imposing the sanction, as well as previous compliant behavior in the case of a first-time violation.
This redesign of the sanction mechanism should lead to greater acceptance among road users.
Increase in the THC limit value
The current THC limit of 1.0 Ng THC per ml of blood serum should be increased to an appropriate extent. The consumption of cannabis should be strictly separated from the consumption of alcohol in road traffic. A scientifically based limit value for THC, above which a restriction of the driving instructor's ability to drive is given, is not possible.
The previous limit was only able to prove the previous consumption of cannabis. However, it is not possible to say whether this was associated with a reduction in the ability to drive.
The limit value should therefore be increased to an appropriate extent in the interests of those affected in practice. However, the experts do not make a concrete proposal for a limit value.
More safety for cyclists
Bicycle traffic is to be strengthened by expanding existing cycle paths and creating new ones. In particular, safety is to be increased by separating traffic from cars and pedestrians. In addition, the training of young people is to be strengthened by integrating traffic education and driver safety training into the curriculum.
In addition, a new fine for cycling under the influence of alcohol is to be created.
By amending the objectives of the StVG and the StVO, municipalities are to be given more scope for preventive and proactive measures. In addition, the dimensions and weight of cargo bikes, sidecars and pedelecs in particular are to be limited for legal classification as bicycles.
Improved rehabilitation care for injured people
Unfortunately, personal injuries are part of everyday life in traffic. In order to improve the success of recovery in the event of personal injury, which is sometimes acutely endangered due to gaps in care, a rehabilitation management system is to be integrated in which doctors, insurers, traffic lawyers and rehabilitation service providers are involved. This is intended to eliminate the frequent delays in the transition from acute treatment in hospital to rehabilitation treatment.
Reform of strict liability
Due to the changed conditions in road traffic, the exemption from strict liability for slow-moving motor vehicles should be removed. Slow-moving agricultural and construction machinery has evolved significantly in terms of its equipment and dimensions. In addition, there are new dangerous means of transportation such as e-scooters. This development is accompanied by an enormous increase in the potential danger.
Against this background, the exemption from strict liability for vehicles that only reach speeds of between 5 and 20 km/h no longer seems appropriate. The exception should only continue to apply to motorized patient elevators.
