Deadly collision on Germany's A4 underscores importance of correct Rettungsgasse

A heavy truck collision on the A4 motorway near Klettenberg, North Rhine‑Westphalia, on 15 June 2026 resulted in a passenger car being completely crushed under a trailer. The driver of the car was killed, while the truck driver survived without injury. Police investigations noted the severity of the impact and the difficulty in identifying the victim.

German traffic authorities stress that such tragedies can be mitigated by properly forming a Rettungsgasse (emergency lane) in congested traffic. The lane must be created between the leftmost lane and the one next to it on multi‑lane roads, with drivers on the left moving further left and others moving right. Violations carry fines up to €320, two points on the driver’s licence and possible driving bans. Similar rules apply in Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and Hungary.