Germany implements rumble strips to improve road safety

Authorities in Germany are implementing rumble strips and speed restrictions to combat high accident rates on popular motorcycle routes.

In Thuringia, rumble strips were installed on the winding road between Zella-Mehlis and Oberhof following 19 accidents in 2023 and 2024, which resulted in two deaths. While the measures were recommended by the Schmalkalden-Meiningen accident commission to curb speeding, some motorcyclists claim they do not feel the strips or use them to identify braking points. Police have not yet reached a final assessment regarding the overall effectiveness of the safety measures.

Similarly, in Hesse, the L3196 road north of Steinau-Marjoß has become a focus for the accident commission due to frequent crashes, including four motorcycle accidents this year alone. To improve safety, authorities have introduced a 50 km/h speed limit in dangerous sections and installed rumble strips to alert drivers. These measures are part of a coordinated effort by the police, Hessen Mobil, and the Main-Kinzig-Kreis road authority to identify and eliminate causes of accidents.