Hesse Reports Sharp Rise in E-Scooter Accidents and Cannabis-Related Crashes
The Hessian Ministry of the Interior released its 2025 traffic accident balance, revealing a worrying 39.2 percent increase in accidents involving electric scooters, totaling 1,505 cases with five fatalities. Young riders aged 18 to 24 are disproportionately affected, with fatal injuries in this group rising by 30 percent. The report also highlights a growing role of cannabis in traffic incidents following its partial legalization in April 2024, noting increased accidents involving THC and mixed alcohol-cannabis consumption. Overall, total traffic accidents in Hesse rose by 2.3 percent to over 150,000, although long-term trends since 2015 show a significant reduction in serious injuries and fatalities. Interior Minister Roman Poseck attributed the rise partly to increased vehicle variety and infrastructure lag but rejected general motorway speed limits, arguing highways remain relatively safe. While acknowledging that e-scooters often lead to unreasonable behavior, especially among underage users, the minister opposed banning them, emphasizing their place in modern transport diversity. The data underscores challenges in adapting road safety measures to new mobility trends and changing drug laws.
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Hesse Reports Sharp Rise in E-Scooter Accidents and Cannabis-Related Crashes
The Hessian Ministry of the Interior released its 2025 traffic accident balance, revealing a worrying 39.2 percent increase in accidents involving electric scooters, totaling 1,505 cases with five fatalities. Young riders aged 18 to 24 are disproportionately affected, with fatal injuries in this group rising by 30 percent. The report also highlights a growing role of cannabis in traffic incidents following its partial legalization in April 2024, noting increased accidents involving THC and mixed alcohol-cannabis consumption. Overall, total traffic accidents in Hesse rose by 2.3 percent to over 150,000, although long-term trends since 2015 show a significant reduction in serious injuries and fatalities. Interior Minister Roman Poseck attributed the rise partly to increased vehicle variety and infrastructure lag but rejected general motorway speed limits, arguing highways remain relatively safe. While acknowledging that e-scooters often lead to unreasonable behavior, especially among underage users, the minister opposed banning them, emphasizing their place in modern transport diversity. The data underscores challenges in adapting road safety measures to new mobility trends and changing drug laws.
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