Overview

• The NRW Interior Ministry logged 2,880 incidents in 2024 where bystanders hindered rescue operations, marking a steady increase from 2,691 cases in 2022.
• Interior Minister Herbert Reul called gawking at accident scenes immoral and warned that offenders risk criminal prosecution.
• Current legislation exposes anyone who films or photographs crash victims to up to two years in prison or substantial fines, regardless of whether images are distributed.
• Police representatives say most gawkers go unpunished because officers must first secure the scene and assist victims before addressing onlookers.
• Among the proposed measures are on-the-spot smartphone confiscation and temporary suspension of drivers’ licenses to deter future obstructions.