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State Government Threatens Volunteer Work and Traffic SafetyThe current situation in Saxony-Anhalt raises urgent questions about the state government’s priorities. The planned massive cuts to traffic safety work, published in the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung on October 16, 2024, signal a worrying departure from traffic education, which is especially meant to protect children and young people. 
The reduction of funds for the Traffic Watch from 1.2 million euros to merely 382,000 euros for the coming year could have fatal consequences for road safety and raises the central question: Is it really the state government’s goal that the 18 Traffic Watch clubs in Saxony-Anhalt cease their important work? An Alarming SignalSaxony-Anhalt has one of the highest rates in Germany with 59 traffic fatalities per million inhabitants. In such a context, it seems almost incomprehensible that instead of investing in traffic safety, the state government wants to cut this crucial support for the voluntary Traffic Watch clubs. The president of the Traffic Watch Saxony-Anhalt, Tobias Krull, and the German Traffic Watch already warn of an impending collapse of the traffic safety structures. Instead of taking the necessary measures to improve the safety of our roads, the foundation is being taken away from those who actively engage in prevention.The Traffic Watch plays a central role in educating and raising awareness among children and young people about road safety. Each year, the clubs reach more than 60,000 young people. Their work is indispensable, especially in a federal state that is a sad leader in traffic fatalities. The planned cuts could mean that this valuable voluntary work falls by the wayside and the next generation is left unprotected against the dangers of road traffic. A Questionable Setting of PrioritiesThe state government’s argument that these cuts are "unavoidable" due to legal obligations raises questions. Where is the responsibility towards the citizens? Is it really acceptable to sacrifice the safety of the youngest road users and the work of committed volunteers just to save a few euros in the budget? A government that claims to pursue Vision Zero – a future without traffic deaths – should send a different, clearer signal: Safety must be the priority.The fact that the black-red-yellow budget draft drastically cuts the financial resources for the Traffic Watch, while potentially unnecessary expenses are made in other areas, raises the question of how well the government’s priorities are actually set. It seems as if short-term budget cuts are being placed above long-term safety and the wellbeing of the citizens. The Generational Conflict in Traffic EducationAnother worrying aspect is that particularly older people and retirees are involved in the Traffic Watch clubs. These experienced volunteers bring not only valuable life wisdom but also the patience and empathy necessary to make young people aware of the dangers on the road. However, recruiting younger supporters is proving extremely difficult. Without a clear perspective and the prospect of sufficient financial resources to maintain the necessary infrastructure and programs, it is almost impossible to motivate younger volunteers. How can recruitment succeed when resources are lacking and the future of the Traffic Watch itself is in question? The prospect of an uncertain future discourages potential new members and leads to volunteer work being carried by an increasingly older generation, while the much-needed fresh energy is missing.What Is at Stake?Not only the existence of the 18 Traffic Watch clubs, such as the Gebietsverkehrswacht Hohenmölsen Teuchern e.V. and the Verkehrswacht Halle e.V., is at stake, but also the safety of our children. If these clubs have to stop their work due to financial shortages, traffic education, which lays the foundation for safe behavior on the roads, will be endangered. The consequences could be devastating: more traffic accidents, more injuries, more deaths. Is this really the state government’s goal? A retreat from responsibility that is unacceptable not only in politics but also in society.Author: AI-Translation - Wolfgang Becker | 29.10.2024 |
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