State Traffic Watch Advocates for More Consideration in Road Traffic as School Begins

Support also came from the Berlin police, who announced they would increase their presence at schools in the coming days. BVG and ADAC are also participating in the campaign, calling for adjusted speeds and anticipatory driving.

School Route Trainings and Police Presence

At the same time, the Senate Traffic Administration is facing criticism. As the Senate Department for Mobility announced on Monday, at none of the 23 road sections named in a parliamentary inquiry had both a heavily frequented school route and a concrete hazard been identified. "My administration has not identified a heavily frequented school route with a simultaneous potential hazard at any of the 23 road sections," explained Mobility Senator Ute Bonde.

The State Traffic Watch rejected this characterization and pointed to numerous reports from parents who feel unsafe, particularly on heavily trafficked streets. The association also called for better markings and temporary speed limits in front of schools.

Accusations of Hazardous Spots: Bonde Rejects Criticism

Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner meanwhile emphasized the responsibility of each individual. "You can have the best laws, but above all you have to abide by them," he said with reference to the road traffic regulations and the obligation to drive particularly carefully near schools.

Representatives of the Traffic Watch also pointed out that many of the young students are traveling their school route for the first time without parental accompaniment. First graders frequently underestimate the speed of cars and react unpredictably in unfamiliar situations.

The campaign for the start of school is part of an annual initiative by the State Traffic Watch, which in the coming weeks will include school route trainings, parent evenings, and information events at elementary schools. The police also announced that they would carry out targeted checks during the school enrollment phase.

Appeal to Drivers and Parents

Critics see a fundamental problem in the debate: Despite falling accident numbers in the city, the behavior of many drivers in the vicinity of schools remains risky. They are calling for a systematic review of school routes and more 30 km/h zones, particularly in front of elementary schools.

The Senate Administration announced that it would continue to review feedback from the public and work with the districts to find solutions. At the same time, it pointed to ongoing traffic education programs that are to be expanded in the coming weeks.

At the start of the new school year, approximately 320,000 students headed to school in Berlin on Monday, including around 30,000 first graders who must manage their own school route for the first time.