German Traffic Watch Warns of Risks Posed by "Parent Taxis" Outside Schools

Risks Directly at the School Gate

From the Traffic Watch's perspective, this is not a marginal problem. The association's findings are based on observations from numerous cities in North Rhine-Westphalia and other federal states. According to these, the scene at many schoolyards has changed since the coronavirus pandemic because more families rely on the car.

The Federal Ministry of Transport is also monitoring the development. The DVW is calling on municipalities to establish more so-called "school streets" ("Schulstraßen") and to consistently enforce no-stopping zones in front of entrances.

According to the Traffic Watch, parents should organize their children's route to school on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport wherever possible. Drop-off rotations — meaning adults taking turns accompanying several children — are also a safe alternative.

Statistics on the Way to School

The DVW points out that, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office, the route to school is among the most accident-prone paths in children's daily lives. Every year, thousands of pupils are injured on their way to or from school.

The Traffic Watch announced that it would launch information campaigns together with cities and schools. The goal is to change parents' behavior outside schools and reduce the number of accident hotspots.

Kirstin Zeidler called on families to consciously make the route to school safer. This also includes teaching children early on how to behave independently in road traffic.

Demands on Municipalities and Parents

The Traffic Watch's warning comes at a time when cities and municipalities are already discussing measures against traffic chaos outside schools. Experience from cities such as Münster and Freiburg shows, according to the DVW, that restricted stopping areas and regular checks can noticeably ease the situation.

The DVW emphasized that children's safety is a shared responsibility. Parents, schools, and municipalities must pull together so that the route to school does not become a danger zone.

The association announced that it would continue to monitor the development over the coming months and provide regular updates on new findings.

The Deutsche Verkehrswacht was founded in 1926 and has since advocated for traffic safety and public education. With its current initiative, the association aims above all to reach parents who regularly drive their children to school by car.