Overview
- The GDV’s Unfallforschung presented survey results in Berlin on Monday, August 17, 2026, reporting that nearly all measured indicators of aggressive road behaviour worsened since 2023.
- Self-reported risky actions increased sharply: 47% of drivers admitted to tailgating when traffic felt slow and 32% said they cut in so tightly after overtaking that others had to brake.
- Cyclists also reported more dangerous moves, with 43% saying they sometimes forced right of way compared with 28% in 2023, and many riders admitting to risky passing and lane weaving.
- Smartphone distraction rose noticeably with one in four drivers saying they occasionally wrote messages and one in five using social media while driving, a trend the GDV links to constant availability and stress.
- The GDV calls for tougher sanctions, more police checks and new traffic‑safety concepts, and the survey shows strong public support for measures such as a zero‑alcohol rule for drivers and a 130 km/h autobahn limit.