Germany study says 130 km/h autobahn limit could save up to 90 lives annually

A new meta‑study by the Björn Steiger Stiftung, led by accident researcher Siegfried Brockmann, estimates that imposing a 130 km/h speed limit on German federal autobahns would cut fatalities on those roads by 25‑30 percent. The researchers state that this would save about 70‑90 lives per year – roughly three percent of all traffic deaths in Germany. According to the Federal Statistical Office, more than 2,800 people died in road accidents in 2025, with 292 of those deaths occurring on autobahns.

The study points to international evidence: countries with binding speed limits, such as Austria, the Netherlands and the United States, record lower severe‑accident and death rates. It recommends a one‑year trial or test sections to assess the effect, but implementation would require approval from the Federal Ministry of Transport, which has so far opposed a general limit. The ADAC notes that autobahns are already the safest road type in Germany, accounting for only about ten percent of road deaths despite carrying a third of vehicle kilometres.

Brockmann is quoted: “Bei einer Maximalgeschwindigkeit von 130 Kilometern pro Stunde wären es 25‑30 Prozent weniger Getötete … das entspricht etwa 70‑90 Menschen.” The study also mentions a potential 2.7 percent reduction in overall road‑traffic emissions from the proposed limit.