School commute accidents among children and adolescents in Germany increased by approximately 5% during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary data from the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV). The insurance provider reported 42,303 accidents occurring on school routes between January and June 2025, up from 40,416 incidents recorded during the first six months of 2024.

Regional disparities in accident rates reveal significant variations across Germany's federal states. The data shows that the largely rural state of Lower Saxony experienced the highest frequency of school commute accidents at 6.4 incidents per 1,000 insured individuals. In contrast, Berlin recorded the lowest accident rate at 3.2 per 1,000 insured persons, highlighting the complex relationship between urban planning, transportation infrastructure, and student safety.

Transportation mode analysis indicates that cycling represents the most common circumstance for school route accidents, accounting for approximately 43% of all incidents. Automobile accidents constituted nearly 11% of cases, while pedestrian accidents made up 9% of the total. The data reveals that students aged 10 to 18 attending secondary schools were disproportionately affected, with accident numbers significantly lower during primary school years when children typically walk shorter, simpler routes.

The DGUV has expressed concern about parental driving habits despite the statistical findings. "The more children are driven by car right up to the school gate, the more chaotic the traffic situation becomes there. This endangers everyone - regardless of how they come to school," stated Stephan Fasshauer, chief executive of the Statutory Accident Insurance. The organization emphasizes that children should learn to navigate school routes independently to develop traffic competence for adulthood.