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Distracted driving: 24-year-old drove off the road!
A 24-year-old lost control of her vehicle in Weilheim an der Teck due to distraction. Fortunately, she and her toddler were uninjured.
Distracted driving: 24-year-old drove off the road!
On the morning of May 27, 2025, a remarkable incident occurred near Egelsberg that highlights the dangers of distracted driving. A 24-year-old woman who was driving her Mercedes-Benz C-Class turned onto K 1252 shortly after 8 a.m. when the accident occurred. reports from Teckbote According to the report, the driver initially crossed into the oncoming lane due to distraction. Fortunately, an oncoming driver was able to avoid the collision and avoid a collision.
In a further attempt to regain control of the vehicle, the woman veered to the right but left the road. Her Mercedes then drove through a ditch and came to a stop in a meadow. The material damage amounts to around 10,000 euros and the car had to be towed away. The emergency services looked after the driver and her toddler, both of whom appeared to be uninjured.
The role of distraction in traffic
Accidents like this highlight the important role distraction plays in traffic. According to information from KFV Inattention and distraction are the main causes of traffic accidents in Austria. In the last five years, 30% of all traffic accidents were caused by distraction. In 2022, there were 10,176 distracted driving accidents in Austria, resulting in 9,290 injuries and 76 deaths. Talking on the phone while behind the wheel is particularly dangerous: data shows that using a cell phone without a hands-free system increases the risk of an accident four to five times.
Additionally, in a survey by Board of Trustees for Road Safety showed that around 50% of Austrian drivers talk on the phone at least once while driving during a one-hour journey. The situation is particularly desperate among young drivers: 55% of 17 to 19 year olds do not consider reading the news while driving to be particularly dangerous.
Prevention measures and behavior adjustment
DI Klaus Robatsch from the KFV has emphasized that distraction is responsible for many fatal traffic accidents and has called for measures to reduce the number of such accidents. In particular, awareness of the dangers of distraction among young road users should be raised. For this purpose, it is advisable to introduce crime-specific courses that address the dangers posed by cell phones.
The ÖAMTC has responded to this with the “Park & Write” road safety campaign, which is being carried out in 33 countries. This campaign aims to raise awareness of smartphone distractions and encourage drivers to minimize distractions. Tips include silencing your cell phone before driving and avoiding communication while driving.
The events in Egelsberg serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that every road user bears. Distraction can have far-reaching consequences and must be actively avoided to ensure safety on our roads.