Tragic accident: 23-year-old killed while crossing a train in Ebenhausen

Tragic accident: 23-year-old killed while crossing a train in Ebenhausen

A tragic accident occurred at the railway crossing in Ebenhausen-Schäftlarn in the Munich district when a 23-year-old was hit by a train and fatally injured. Declarations Mercury According to reports, the man crossed the tracks even though the barriers were closed and a red warning light was flashing. He obviously hadn't noticed the approaching S-Bahn, possibly because he was wearing headphones. Firefighters found the young man dead on site.

The dangers of distractions in traffic are not new. Similar accidents have occurred several times in recent years. For example, a 12-year-old was hit by an S-Bahn after she got on the tracks because of her headphones. During a recent survey ten years ago, 22% of pedestrians and 19% of cyclists reported regularly using headphones. A third of these respondents said they had gotten into dangerous situations because they were wearing headphones.

Distraction through headphones in traffic

The problem with headphones in traffic is alarming. According to studies, reaction time increases by a fifth when listening to music at a conversational level. The Road Safety Council recommends not wearing headphones to avoid distractions. There are also no specific regulations for pedestrians, although there is a danger. This assessment is also supported by DEKRA which emphasizes that distractions are responsible for one in ten car accidents that result in injuries.

Pedestrians and cyclists who are distracted by wearing headphones or using smartphones are particularly at risk. DEKRA expert Luigi Ancona warns of the risks and emphasizes the importance of full concentration in road traffic. Distractions often lead to important information about the traffic situation being overlooked.

Statistical insights and recommendations

The risk of accidents due to distractions is serious. In 2021, 2.0 percent of all personal injury accidents were due to distractions, while only 0.3 percent were due to the use of electronic devices. At a speed of 50 km/h, a deflection of three seconds can mean a blind flight of almost 42 meters. Road users must be aware that their safety depends on their attention.

In the event of an accident, insurance companies also examine the question of negligence. If the music is too loud, a fine of 10 euros can also be imposed. To ensure your own safety and that of other road users, it is advisable to keep your eyes and ears open and not allow any distractions. The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2022 also highlights the mobility of young people and the risk caused by distractions.