Initiative details
The DEKRA Road Safety Report examines persistent and emerging road safety challenges. These include high fatality rates among vulnerable road users, disparities in infrastructure safety, and limited adoption of advanced vehicle safety technologies. Human factors such as driver distraction, fatigue, and inadequate training, particularly in commercial transport, are also emphasized. Urban mobility, with its complex and mixed traffic environments, receives particular attention due to its increased risk.
In recent years, the report has addressed the impacts of automation, climate-related risks, and the safe transport of people and goods. Each edition focuses on a specific theme, such as commercial vehicle safety or child protection, offering targeted analyses supported by data, accident reconstructions, and policy recommendations. Through this approach, the report contributes to the EU’s Vision Zero objective and promotes the Safe System approach.
In recent years, the report has addressed the impacts of automation, climate-related risks, and the safe transport of people and goods. Each edition focuses on a specific theme, such as commercial vehicle safety or child protection, offering targeted analyses supported by data, accident reconstructions, and policy recommendations. Through this approach, the report contributes to the EU’s Vision Zero objective and promotes the Safe System approach.
Initiative date
Who was/is your target audience?
Policy makers
Public authorities
Topic
Create awareness
Knowledge building and sharing
Organisation details
DEKRA e.V. – Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungsverein e.V.
Enterprise
Germany
Stuttgart
Contact name
Wolfgang Sigloch
Telephone number
+49 711 78 61-23 86
wolfgang.sigloch@dekra.com
Website link
Project activities
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
Multiple partners were involved in the preparation of the different reports as the reports include interviews and quotes of key stakeholders such as CITA – International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee to share technical data and enable expert exchange, representatives of the European Commission (DG MOVE, DG GROW) to provide policy guidance and views, Academic institutions (e.g., TU Dresden, BASt) to contribute to research and data analysis, National transport authorities and municipalities to share case studies examples, as well as NGOs and advocacy organisations (e.g., ETSC, FIA Foundation) to share their perspective on topics.
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
The report is published annually, beginning with the selection of a thematic focus. This is followed by data collection, accident analysis, stakeholder interviews, and literature reviews. Internal experts and external researchers collaborate throughout the drafting, editing, and peer review process.
The timeline spans around ten months, from research planning in January to publication in early autumn. Outputs include the main report, supplementary materials such as infographics and policy briefs, and presentations at EU and international events, notably our annual presentation event in Brussels. Dissemination channels include webinars, social media, newsletters, and direct engagement with policymakers. Each edition delivers actionable insights to public authorities, fleet operators, and other road safety stakeholders.
The timeline spans around ten months, from research planning in January to publication in early autumn. Outputs include the main report, supplementary materials such as infographics and policy briefs, and presentations at EU and international events, notably our annual presentation event in Brussels. Dissemination channels include webinars, social media, newsletters, and direct engagement with policymakers. Each edition delivers actionable insights to public authorities, fleet operators, and other road safety stakeholders.
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
A major success of the report lies in combining independent accident analysis with accessible communication. DEKRA’s credibility as a neutral testing and inspection organization strengthens the report’s policy relevance. The annual format enables both continuity and depth by focusing on specific safety challenges.
Effective dissemination through digital platforms and stakeholder networks has expanded the audience to include not only technical experts but also practitioners and policymakers. Key challenges include securing reliable, comparable data across borders and managing differences in national accident reporting standards. Maintaining stakeholder engagement amid shifting policy priorities is also difficult. DEKRA addresses these by ensuring clear messaging, policy relevance, and alignment with EU road safety objectives.
Effective dissemination through digital platforms and stakeholder networks has expanded the audience to include not only technical experts but also practitioners and policymakers. Key challenges include securing reliable, comparable data across borders and managing differences in national accident reporting standards. Maintaining stakeholder engagement amid shifting policy priorities is also difficult. DEKRA addresses these by ensuring clear messaging, policy relevance, and alignment with EU road safety objectives.
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
Impact has been assessed using media coverage, social media metrics, event participation. The different reports have appeared in media outlets in european countries and has been cited in policy documents, expert meetings, and public consultations.
Social media campaigns at launch consistently reach over 1.5 million people annually. Thousands download the report from DEKRA’s website, the number of views of video recordings of presentations, as well as the number of in person event participants show ongoing stakeholder interest. Real-world case studies enhance practical relevance. The report is cited by national transport ministries, EU institutions, and is used as a teaching tool in academic and training settings.
Social media campaigns at launch consistently reach over 1.5 million people annually. Thousands download the report from DEKRA’s website, the number of views of video recordings of presentations, as well as the number of in person event participants show ongoing stakeholder interest. Real-world case studies enhance practical relevance. The report is cited by national transport ministries, EU institutions, and is used as a teaching tool in academic and training settings.
What has been the effect of the activities?
The report has raised awareness, facilitated knowledge sharing, and supported evidence-based policymaking at all levels. Although it does not directly implement infrastructure improvements, it has influenced decisions in fleet safety, urban design, and education.
Recommendations have informed national road safety strategies in european countries and contributed to updates in logistics and commercial transport safety protocols.
Recommendations have informed national road safety strategies in european countries and contributed to updates in logistics and commercial transport safety protocols.
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
This initiative demonstrates how independent, data-based research can effectively support policy and operational improvements in road safety. It is scalable, cost-effective, and requires no large infrastructure investments. The methodology, blending accident analysis, stakeholder input, and strategic communication, can be replicated by other organizations with the necessary expertise. Its structure is flexible and adaptable to various policy contexts and user needs.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
The report is distributed via the DEKRA website, social media, newsletters, and press releases. It is physically presented and shared in printed form at high-level conferences, including the report presentation events we organize in major European capitals, especially Brussels. Policymakers, city officials, and transport operators receive it directly. It is frequently cited in trade journals and professional media, and its recognition across Europe is growing, with international institutions increasingly using it as a reference.