Autobahn speed limit could save 90 lives annually, study finds

A general speed limit of 130 km/h on German autobahns could prevent up to 90 traffic fatalities each year, a new study suggests. Siegfried Brockmann, a traffic accident researcher at the Björn Steiger Foundation, stated that such a limit would reduce deaths by 25 to 30 percent, equating to approximately 70 to 90 lives saved annually. While this represents only about three percent of all traffic fatalities, Brockmann emphasized its significance as a single policy measure.

Germany remains an outlier among many nations for not having a general speed limit on its autobahns, though various speed restrictions are already in place on many sections. The debate over a nationwide limit has been ongoing for years, with the Federal Ministry of Transport opposing the idea, while numerous associations support it. Official statistics show that over 2,800 people died in road traffic accidents in Germany in 2025, with 292 of those fatalities occurring on autobahns.

Brockmann's research indicates that speed limits have positive effects on traffic safety, citing examples from Austria, the Netherlands, and the US where restricted speeds led to fewer severe accidents or fatalities. He called for a year-long test of speed limits on autobahns or the introduction of trial sections with varying limits, requiring approval from the Federal Ministry of Transport. The ADAC, a major German automobile club, also supports further research, stating that the possibilities and limitations of speed limits for traffic safety and climate protection should be investigated.