Increasing traffic, a lack of signage, and poor visibility all contribute to accidents that occur on roads every day. According to the Federal Statistics Office of Germany, there were 2,780 road deaths and 50,300 serious injuries in Germany last year. On average, seven people per day were killed in road traffic accidents. Politicians, transport planners, and researchers are aiming to reduce this number to zero by 2050.

»One approach is to improve the infrastructure by creating roads and junctions that are more forgiving of human error«, explain Wido Hamel and Julius Uhlmann from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. The two are scientific associates at the Professorship of Transport System Planning and have been training safety auditors for years. The auditors are independent experts who work in the administrative sector and planning offices, carrying out standardised infrastructure inspections according to official standards. »Their know-how is already being used in the planning of new roads, but they are also responsible for inspecting existing transport routes according to official standards«, explain the Weimar transport experts. 

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar’s Professorship of Transport System Planning is an official training centre for safety auditors. Since 2002, they have trained nearly 250 auditors from Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg. The training covers safety-relevant aspects for all kinds of roads, from highways to residential streets. The content is taught through expert lectures and practical work, such as homework and excursions. The Bauhaus Further Education Academy and staff from the Professorship of Transport System Planning provide the content and organisational support for the courses.

The target audience of the annual »Symposium Verkehrssicherheit von Straßen« is all those involved in road safety issues. Participation fees apply for auditors and other interested parties. For students (up to 30 years old), the event is free of charge Further information on the programme as well as event registration can be found on the FGSV website at: fgsv-veranstaltungen.de/produkt-kategorie/sicherheitsaudit/

In case of questions, please contact Tina Feddersen, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Professorship of Transport System Planning, via e-mail: tina.feddersen[at]uni-weimar.de or by phone at +49 (0) 36 43/58 44 81.