Keep the Noise Down Please

How “noise canceling culture” prevents the stress from constant communications bombardment.

More Efficiency due to Swarm Intelligence

In future, electric cars could contribute significantly to the smart and flexible use of electricity and grid stability. All around the world, pilot projects for bidirectional charging are underway. The challenges are great – but so are the potential benefits.

Parking Safely Means Arriving Safely

Safe parking lots for trucks remain in short supply. An EU-wide uniform safety standard for truck parking areas is intended to make the transportation of goods less dangerous and stressful. Digital booking platforms help to make more efficient use of parking spaces and make the daily lives of professional drivers more comfortable.

Racing Towards Climate Neutrality

The Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship aims to be climate neutral by 2038. The trucks have been running on HVO biofuels since 2021. Hybrid and electrically powered race trucks will be allowed to compete for the first time starting in the 2023 season.

Train Stations Full of Superlatives and Curiosities

Train stations are not generally given a lot of attention, probably due to their purpose: People arriving there want to move on as quickly as possible. But it is often worth taking a closer look, because there are many unique and curious things about the buildings themselves.

Green Light for Hydrogen Truck Fleet

Fuel cells that run on hydrogen are considered an alternative type of drive, especially for commercial vehicles. DEKRA manages the first commercially operated rental fleet of hydrogen trucks in Germany.

Advanced Assistance Systems for Greater Safety

Driver assistance systems can prevent accidents or help mitigate their consequences. However, the proportion of vehicles equipped with electronic assistance systems is still low. This is where a new EU regulation comes in – with the specification of a minimum standard for driver assistance systems in new cars.

Vision Zero Award for the Finnish City of Mikkeli

For nine consecutive years from 2012 to 2020, the Finnish city of Mikelli did not have a single traffic fatality. DEKRA recognized this success with its Vision Zero Award 2022. A look at the city and its measures provides clues to the factors that make such successes possible.

Take a Look at the DEKRA solutions Magazine 1/2023

The energy transition is enormously important against the background of climate change. In the current issue of DEKRA solutions, the authors focus on this vital topic and the numerous sustainable ways of generating energy. You can also read how smart dummies are enriching accident research and how they differ from their conventional counterparts.

Tires: It’s all About the Tread

Current DEKRA driving tests with professional test drivers at the Lausitzring in Klettwitz impressively demonstrate the weaknesses of worn tires. Among other things, the braking distance on wet roads is almost one-fifth greater than with new tires.

One in Five Truck Drivers Is a Seat Belt Slacker

In Europe, too many people are still traveling in commercial vehicles without wearing a seat belt. That is the conclusion of the latest traffic monitoring done by DEKRA Accident Research.

Motorcycle: Safe in the Saddle

Smart bikers know their limits on a motorbike. Electronic safety personnel is therefore always welcome on board. We spoke to DEKRA motorbike expert Luigi Ancona about current assistance systems.

Buckling up for the Future

Truck accidents on the roads of this world may be much less frequent than car accidents, but the consequences are often fatal. It all comes down to the optimal interaction between man and machine, as well as protection against cybercrime in the future.

Take a Look at the DEKRA solutions Magazine 2/2022

Safety as a universal basic need is in focus today more than ever. This was also reflected at the IAA TRANSPORTATION, the world’s most important industry trade fair for transport and logistics. The current issue of DEKRA solutions is dedicated to the topic and provides insights into stable processes in logistics, for example. You can […]

The Biofidelic Dummy – Only Human, too?

When biomechanist Andreas Schäuble stages crash tests with cyclists, the test usually ends with broken bones and torn ligaments. The fact that the dummy’s injuries as well as the damage to the car come very close to reality is also due to the concept of the new biofidelic dummy. The DEKRA expert explains what this is all about.

Recreational Boats are Popular

The number of new recreational boats is steadily increasing worldwide. But the increase in recreational skippers and their boats in all size classes results in more boat breakdowns and accidents. DEKRA’s DEKRAmaritim department must also prepare for this.

Road Tunnels: Beneath it all

They run beneath mountains, towns, or water: There’s the road tunnel with brightly lit halls, another with an undersea traffic circle, and yet another that serves as a backwater basin. We present some unusual structures.

High Accident Risk Among Novice Drivers

The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2022 deals with the “Mobility of Young People”. In it, DEKRA presents solutions to ensure that fewer 15- to 24-year-old traffic participants worldwide will be involved in accidents in the future.

Rescue Sheet Saves Lives – Completely Analog

Modern safety technologies effectively reduce the risk of injury in traffic accidents. But if, in serious cases, occupants do become trapped in the vehicle, it can make their rescue more difficult. This is where the rescue sheet provides an important service – and it is still in analog form.

Your Data, Please!

Vehicle data is a well-guarded secret. The new European data law is intended to ensure transparency – and could raise police work when recording accidents in Europe to a new level. In the future, regulated access to vehicle data will also be essential for accident analysis and vehicle testing.

Vehicle Inspection: “Software and Data are Important, but not Everything”

Additional assistance systems, networking, new drive technologies: Christoph Nolte, Head of Vehicle Inspection Service Division and Executive Vice President of the DEKRA Group, explains how these things are changing vehicle inspections.

Teleoperated Driving – The Call From Afar

Remote-controlled toy cars are the biggest hit with many kids. So what about remote-controlled real cars? Teleoperated driving is a young technology, and applications in transportation companies and logistics are still limited. Despite this, does teleoperated driving have what it takes to become an independent form of mobility?

Visual Impairment: A New Take on Navigation

What if you simply closed your eyes, blindly opened Google Maps on your smartphone, and tried to navigate from A to B? Such an attempt would surely go wrong. But for blind and visually impaired people, such limitations are part of everyday life. Can digital technologies really support users with handicaps? Can AI replace seeing-eye dogs?

On the Safe Side with Snowchains

If you drive your car exclusively on flat ground during the cold season, you can get by on winter tires. In steeper terrain, a set of snow chains must be included in your winter gear to make sure the vehicle doesn’t get stuck on the road in snow and ice. We took a closer look […]

Tire Technology: Running out of Air

The electric drive is challenging automotive certainties. Obviously, electric cars currently still run on round tires filled with air. But it’s becoming apparent that electric cars will need new footwear. And that they might even manage entirely without air. We asked DEKRA tire experts about the newest tire trends.

Tuning – What is Possible?

For many car tuners, off-the-shelf car models are just the raw material they use to execute their technological and artistic visions. To do so, the accessories market offers a cornucopia of possibilities with spoilers, chassis, rims, and steering wheels. We asked DEKRA expert Carsten Debler what tuners must consider today.

Road Traffic: A Lifetime of Safety

How can we keep senior populations safe in traffic? The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2021 shows the measures that make a different in regard to people, vehicle technology, and infrastructure.

Hitting the Road in a Motorhome – an Epic Adventure

True motorhome enthusiasts love a tidy interior. After all, it only takes one sharp braking maneuver for everything that isn’t nailed to the floor to turn into dangerous projectiles. We asked DEKRA expert Peter Rücker how to mitigate risks when loading and securing loads.

Electric Car: Efficient under the Hood

If it were just a matter of aesthetics, an e-motor could hardly compete against the elegance of a six-cylinder. Since it’s basically comprised of compact housing, magnets, copper wire, and a shaft – the potential for a grand spectacle is rather limited. E-motors have to impress with their inner values. And they have plenty of those.

Superheroes in the Name of “Vision Zero”

They get bumped, hurled and hit - all in the name of safety. Dummies provide important insights in a wide array of crash-, sled-, and catapult facilities as well as test rigs at the DEKRA Crash Test Center in Neumünster and the DEKRA Automotive Test Center in Klettwitz.

Car Cleaning – Foam Party at the Car Wash

In spring, it’s time for a thorough car wash. This requires the right care products, cleaning equipment, and a good washing area. However, it’s not a good idea to tackle the paintwork using household remedies. We asked DEKRA expert Thilo Kunst how to successfully spring clean a car.

Classic Car Check: Fit for the “H” License Plate?

Old cars need special attention to keep up in road traffic. The care requirement counts in particular for classic cars that are applying for the "H" license plate. However, the coveted "H" is only available with an expert’s certificate. We asked DEKRA expert Andreas Lahne how this classic car check can succeed.

Motorcycle Check: Safe Start into the Season

With those first rays of spring sunshine, there’s no stopping most bikers. Before the first ride with the motorcycle, however, a thorough equipment check is required. But the rider should also get in shape beforehand. Motorcycle expert Achim Kuppinger from DEKRA explains what’s important at the start of the season.

Bicycle Check: Do it Yourself

The first spring bike ride holds its own special charm. To ensure that both fun and safety don’t fall by the wayside, it’s worth checking the most important components before heading out. This requires a few tools and an hour of time. DEKRA expert Jochen Hof gives us the most important tips for cycling in spring.

Cargo bikes – Lining Up for Transport

Cargo bikes with electric pedal assistance up to a speed of 25 kph and a rated continuous output of up to 250 watts are legally considered bicycles. But which bike is actually suitable for a job in city logistics? And what rules have to be observed for its operation? A DEKRA expert provides answers.

Rolling into the Future at 30 kph

Paris is planning a speed limit within the city – and many other metropolises want to follow suit. Traffic-calmed cities are expected to improve quality of life and reduce accidents and emissions.

Service Station – Charging Power from the Bakery?

The future of service stations probably no longer lies in the hands of mineral oil companies alone. Battery-electric drive systems in particular are bringing new players to the playing field. But what makes a service station fit for the future? We take a look at new trends and technologies for the service station of the future.

Arriving Safely in Winter

Slippery roads, snow-covered cars, longer braking distances – if you want to reach your destination safely by car in winter, you need to know what to watch out for during the cold season.

Mobility: The New Normal

The Covid-19 pandemic is changing mobility. During the lockdown, public transport came to an almost complete standstill. At the same time, individual mobility has undergone a boom. This shift will likely last for some time and presents both risks and opportunities for climate and safety. 

Bicycle: It Depends on the Braking Power

Show consideration, follow the rules and be attentive - this is how we avoid accidents. A bike in good technical condition also ensures greater safety. DEKRA carried out a brake test and tested various systems on wet and dry roads.

Accident Risk: Cyclists in Danger

Too many people still die in accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles. In some parts of the world, the number continues to rise. There is an urgent need for action. The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2020 provides facts and figures on all aspects of accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles etc.

Bicycles: Safely on Tour on Two Wheels

More and more road users are turning to the two-wheeler. There is now a huge selection of bicyles, e-bikes an co. that score with high tech. In addition, more and more cities are pushing cycling to promote climate protection. However, there ist still a need for action on raod safety for two-wheelers.

Sensors: When the Car Sees Around the Corner

A new type of radar system makes it possible for vehicles to “see” around corners and thus recognize other road users in time. Sooner or later, it might also enable the optimization of traffic flow.

Radio Technology: Faster and Safer with 5G

For smartphone users, the advantages of 5G are still negligible. But industry, logistics, medicine, and many other sectors are already benefiting from the new radio technology.

Livable Cities – from Dortmund to Tokyo

The greenest, the most dynamic, the most bike-friendly – every year, different international institutions select cities for particularly life-worthy qualities. DEKRA solutions presents five of these locations.

Drive Batteries – Valuable to the Very End

Lithium-ion batteries in electric cars are powerhouses with a lot of power. If, after a few years, the power is no longer sufficient for the road, they are given a second life in stationary storage facilities. It’s at the very end that battery life becomes fully sustainable – the recyclable materials in the cells can be used to produce new batteries.

New Mobility: Out on the Town

With e-bikes, ridesharing, and last mile services, the way we move around in cities is changing rapidly. We provide insight into trends in private and public transport, and on the last mile.

Planned Cities: Metropolises from Scratch

Woven City is a planned city. In addition to the new metropolis at the foot of the Fuji-San, there are other exciting cities such as Brasilia, Bedford Park, Songdo City or Neom.

Crash Test: When the Worst Comes to the Worst

The DEKRA Crash Test Center in Neumünster is rarely open to the public. Most tests on behalf of the clients are often highly confidential. In addition to conventional passenger cars, vehicles with alternative drive systems are officially tested at this ultra-modern facility.

Technology as a Part of the Solution

When it comes to traffic concepts of the future, Professor Barbara Lenz looks at the big picture. For the Head of the Institute for Transport Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), multimodality and smart technology go hand-in-hand.

New Mobility: Evolution or Revolution?

Increasing urbanization, congested roads, air pollution, and ever stricter climate laws: When it comes to mobility of the future, we’re in need of a rethink.

DEKRA solutions Magazine 2/2020

According to a forecast by the United Nations, around 60 percent of the world’s population will live in cities by 2030. Due to increasing urbanization, congested streets, air pollution and ever stricter climate laws, we are already identifying that mobility needs to be steered in new directions. But how? The current DEKRA solutions issue presents current mobility concepts.

Shinkansen – fast, safe, and independent

Punctual, safe, super fast – the new Shinkansen high-speed train, which has been in service in Japan since July, is said to be superior to all its predecessors. But can the N700S keep up with other high-speed trains?

Smart Cruising in the City?

E-scooters have been part of our street picture for a year. For some a thorn in the side, for others a long-awaited traffic relief. Time to draw a balance.

Road Freight Transport: Which Drive Technology Will it Be?

Natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, or biofuel – which energy source will win the race? As long as this question remains unanswered, truck fleet operators will lack investment security. Leading associations in the transport industry are therefore demanding a binding roadmap from politicians. But what could that roadmap look like?

Smart Solutions for Sustainable Employee Mobility

When it comes to mobility for employees, many think of company cars and public transport tickets as the only options. But more and more companies are discovering sustainable solutions for their employees and are themselves benefiting from them.

We ride our bikes – safely!

Bikes are booming: Many cities have gotten the hang of things and score points with cyclists for good infrastructure and high safety standards. We show you an overview of which cities are ahead of the pack and have the best infrastructure.

Woven City: Toyota builds City of the Future

The car manufacturer Toyota wants to test the city life of the future with the Woven City project at the foot of Fuji-San, Japan’s sacred mountain.

Corona and the Consequences for Start-ups

The economic crisis caused by coronavirus penetrates almost every industry. And for many new or young start-ups on the market, it quickly becomes a fight for existence. But there are also positive examples.

China: Largest Vehicle Testing Station

DEKRA, the world’s number one in vehicle testing, has opened its second testing station in China.

Braking Safer

E-bikes are trendy, but there are risks associated with incorrect braking behaviour. The Bosch eBike ABS helps pedelec riders to brake more safely. Therefore, Bosch wins the DEKRA Award 2019 in the category "Safety on the Road".

Safety for the Youngest Worldwide

Particularly in low and middle income countries, much remains to be done to improve road safety for children.

Moved by the People Mover

On the road with a driverless minibus: Since this summer, the People Mover has been rolling in public transport in Brandenburg. Getting on is very welcome.

Red Alert

Every day, more than 500 children and young people die in road traffic accidents around the world. The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2019 provides insight as to the causes, and measures to improve this horrific toll.

In Case of Traffic Jam, Form Rescue Lane!

In 1963, 26-year-old police officer Karl-Heinz Kalow proposed rescue lane legislation to the German authorities. In 1971, the corresponding law entered force. We provide an overview of how the rescue lane works both in Germany and other countries around the world.

On the Way to General Inspection 4.0

Periodical vehicle checks of the future will be data driven. Even today, many processes are being digitized and automated. The best example of this is DEKRA’s inspection station in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, opened in the spring of 2019.

Balancing Act

With e-scooters come new options for our mobility, as well as a number of new risks. We explore what users need to be aware of.

Highest Danger to the Life of the Youngest

Children need to be better secured in the vehicle. A crash test conducted by DEKRA makes this unmistakably clear.

Death in the Blind Spot

Every victim is one too many. According to figures published by German automobile club ADAC, 34 cyclists lost their lives last year in accidents involving trucks turning a corner.

Children in Danger

Just Roll with It!

Electromobility has also found its way into the so-called ‘last mile.’ Commuters, hipsters and urbanites are all jumping on their e-scooters, hoverboards and monowheels. Are these electric micro-vehicles the solution to urban traffic chaos?

Before the ­Paramedics Arrive

In an emergency, every second counts. First aid can be administered by every layman – through chest compressions, staunching a bleeding or recovery position. You can learn what to do to save a life through courses offered by emergency services personnel.

Save me, dear Algorithm!

Overtaking maneuvers, excessive braking or fatigue: more than 90 percent of all road traffic accidents are caused by human error. The digital subsidiary of DEKRA aims to achieve transparency about how people drive.

Suspended Procedure

you want to make public transport fit for the future, you have to consider solutions that abandon classic wheel-rail systems. One of these is the magnetic levitation train. A brief interim result.

A Stroll through Bad Homburg: Poets, Thinkers and the Mouse

Hölderlin, Dostojewski and the "Maus" know the Hessian city of Bad Homburg well. Situated at the gates of Frankfurt, it invites you to marvel and linger. It is not only beautiful here, but also safe.

Flashing, Please!

When travelling by car in traffic, you have to set the indicator – for example when turning off – clearly and in good time. But only around half of motorists in Germany adhere to all turn signal rules. This is the result of a traffic monitoring study by DEKRA Accident Research.

When the Music Comes

That music in the car improves the driver's performance sounds plausible. But which music is the right one at all? In the future, IT experts who want to help artificial intelligence in cars to make musical leaps should also be concerned with this question.

A Bright Idea Scores

The light emitting platform edge of the SIUT GmbH is not only groundbreaking, it also serves to safety by warning passengers at train stations and thus helps minimizing hazards. For this idea, the jury awarded the DEKRA Award 2018 in the category "Safety on the road".

The Trump Cards among the Electric Trucks

The race to secure a share of the electric truck market has begun. Around the globe, newcomers and established vehicle brands alike are developing the first generation of trucks with this drive technology to reach the market.

Leveling Up

Were vehicle manufacturers and original equipment suppliers legally able to do what they already can technologically, our roads would already be teeming with self-driving trucks and buses. But before this becomes reality, manufacturers must completely master each level of automation.

Logistics – Industry of Superlatives

Transport giants in shipping, a train weighing just under one hundred thousand tons, or traffic routes made of ice and snow: the logistics industry shines with spectacular innovations.

Joy through Safety

The city of Torrejón de Ardoz achieved an impressive road safety statistic with a series of simple yet effective measures. The city has not had a traffic fatality in seven years. To recognize this, the city has been awarded the DEKRA Vision Zero Award.

Assistance Systems – Lifesavers in Trucks

With increasing digitalization, the assistance systems in trucks have also developed enormously. In an emergency, they can save lives. There are considerable differences in truck safety standards worldwide.

Data: The New Gold of the Transport Industry

Data should be processed sensibly and securely, and trucks should be networked with one another: Clemens Klinke, Member of the Board of Management DEKRA SE, talks about the potential of increasing digitization in the transport industry.

Modern Trucks in the Data Network

A modern commercial vehicle is at the center of a multi-dimensional data stream that can increase safety and transport efficiency. Jürgen Bönninger, head of FSD Fahrzeugsystemdaten, explains who and how this data can be used.

Big Wheels – Big Data

Data reduces fuel consumption, enables precise forecasts on the vehicle, makes logistics more efficient and is absolutely necessary for automated driving. But how do you protect them and who do they actually belong to?

In the Balance

Clogged roads, unhealthy emissions, a lot of noise - Cities around the world are looking for solutions to urban chaos. A way out of the misery could be urban aerial cableways.

Register Now: DEKRA solutions Newsletter

What does the world look like tomorrow? What do we do to ensure safe traffic? In the DEKRA solutions newsletter you will receive exclusive reportages, background information and exciting stories around mobility, security and innovation. Click here for registration.

Vehicle Check: Data Read-out Onboard and Offboard

More and more assistance systems are finding their way into modern vehicles, paving the way for automated driving. Dipl.-Ing. Frank Leimbach explains what that means for vehicle testing.

When the Zebra Suddenly Rears Up

From Great Britain to Japan: the zebra crossing has made it far. But not everywhere can a pedestrian rely on a vehicle really stopping.

Old vs. New Truck: Which of them has Better Brakes?

Commercial vehicles are becoming safer - not only because of modern assistance systems. Also the braking performance has improved significantly in recent years. A test conducted by DEKRA Accident Research shows how much braking distance can be saved by new technologies.

Traffic Screening: Secret Weapon against Traffic Fatalities

Zero traffic fatalities - that's the goal of "Vision Zero". Baden-Württemberg wants to achieve this goal with traffic safety screening. Dipl.-Ing. Martin Pozybill explains what exactly this means.

Brazil: To School by Bus and Boat

Driving to school by boat or walking through rough terrain to the bus station is not unusual for Brazilian children in rural areas. The government has a special programme to ensure reliable transport.

Hanging by a Thread

Higher, more spectacular, further. Aerial railways are constantly breaking new records and simultaneously hold the titel of safest form of transport bar none.

Holidays aboard the Floating Town

Whether crossing the oceans in a cruise liner or exploring our planet’s island paradises in a sailing yacht, maritime wanderlust is gripping more and more of those seeking a break.

Roadtrip

Traffic jams, unsecured luggage and microsleep are the specters of a long drive. Only those who plan well, will arrive relaxed at their holiday destination.

Safely Through the Skies

Although passenger numbers continue to rise, the number of air traffic fatalities fell once again in 2017. How does aviation achieve such a high level of security?

Rail Traffic: The Journey is the Destination

Enjoy the beauty of magical landscapes from the safety and comfort of a train.

Mission Intermission

Staying contactable around the clock, checking emails every hour when on vacation – it’s impossible in the Spiti valley in the Indian Himalayas. Nicole Graaf undergoes a digital detox cure.

Attention, There is a Deer

A sound signals the driver "Wild is nearby". The app of the start-up Wuidi warns against wild boar and deer. We show how it works.

Accident Researchers: Lifesavers Behind the Scenes

DEKRA‘s accident researchers are working in the shadows - but they act as lifesavers. For 40 years now they commit to making sure there won’t be any more dead people in the streets. But in time their job changed a lot.

Smartphones: Deadly Distraction

When Friedrich Meister is on the road, he has his smartphone with him. But in the summer of 2017, he became aware of the deadly consequences that can occur when he is distracted by his smartphone while driving.

Driver assistance systems in an overview

Driver Assistance systems are able to prevent accidents. We show the range of systems available and how they work.

New Traffic Regulations 2018

As every year, new provisions and regulations become effective. We have collected the changes for 2018 for you.

E-Learning – Classroom of the Future

E-learning will become increasingly relevant as a tool for training and educating employees. In our time of Internet, apps and virtual worlds, new learning opportunities are emerging.

Child Seats: Keeping Your Child Safe When Driving

A child seat massively increases the safety of younger passengers when driving. In Germany the use of safety belts is mandatory. We provide eight tips for buyers.

eCall: Lifesaver with integrated data protection

eCall shall help reduce the number of people killed and gravely injured in traffic accidents through fast and efficiently activated rescue measures. The compliance to data protection regulations is important.

The Nation’s Punching Bags

They hit the wall at 80 km/h: tough crash test dummies put their “bones” on the line in the cause of safety, but they are also highly sensitive measuring instruments. A job portrait.

No More Blind Spots

The so-called blind spot remains a problem despite modern mirror- and camera technology. This will change through the turning assistent.

Smoothly in Roundabouts

One of the most famous ones goes around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris: Roundabouts make the traffic safer and lead to a free flow. They exist in different dimensions and in various designs.

Risk of Fire: When your Vehicle Catches Fire

In movies, cars regularly burst into flames after an accident. Is it a realistic scenario? We explain, when and why your car could start to burn.

German Road Safety App: Better Road Safety for All

The multilingual app “German Road Safety” helps foreign-language road users to orient themselves on German roads.

Smartphones at the wheel: “An effect comparable with narcotics”

Some drivers are using their smartphones while driving. They put themselves and those around them in immense danger. Psychologist Volkmar Bertke from the DEKRA shows how high the risk of causing an accident is.

Test Halls for Electric Cars

Electric cars are already an attractive alternative for many. The revolutionary drive technology raises new questions both for researchers and commuters alike.

DEKRA solutions 03/2017

The new mobility - tomorrow's traffic routes. The latest DEKRA solutions issue shows the dynamic mobility development.

Safer Driving with Assistance Systems

When people get injured or material damage is caused, the driver is responsible in most of the cases. In order to reduce the accidents, the car industry opts for driver assisstance systems.

DEKRA Study: Street Cleaning Reduces Fine Dust Pollution

Intensive street cleaning can reduce the development of fine particulates on traffic-heavy thoroughfares in larger cities. This is the result of a five-week study carried out in Stuttgart in March and April 2017.

Risks on Country Roads

The improvement of road traffic safety remains a challenge. Around the world, 1.25 million people lose their lives on the road each year, and according to the World Health Organization, the downward trend of this number is stagnating.

Smartphones and Driving – a Hazardous Combination

More than half of all smartphone-owning drivers are guilty of regularly operating their gadgets while on the road. This is the result of a recent Forsa survey carried out on behalf of expert organization DEKRA.

Crash Test with Electric Cars

The experts at the DEKRA Crash Test Center in Neumünster test whether electric cars fulfill the legal requirements for high-voltage safety.

Motorbikes and Hoverboards Become Projectiles

At the DEKRA Safety Day in Bielefeld, DEKRA carried out three crash tests. Computer simulations are no substitute for real crashes, state the experts.

DEKRA’s Crash Tests with Drones: High Risk of Accident

There is a high risk of accident with drones when the small, guided flyers get out of control. This is the result of a test series of DEKRA’s experts performed with drones with a weight less than 2 kg,.

Vison Zero: On the Way to Zero Fatalities

DEKRA presents the 2017 Road Safety Report with the motto “Best Practice”, suggesting steps for reaching the goal of zero fatalities.

Voice Control

A current trend within the ‘smart home’ megatrend is voice control. In addition to household appliances and alarm systems, lighting, entertainment and soon even networked health products will follow your every command.

Q & A: Energy Transformation

Fossil fuels provide the backbone of the world’s energy supply. Energy from renewable sources is destined to take over this role in the future. Answering 5 pressing questions, DEKRA solutions provides insights into the direction of current trends, and how all of us can help shape the energy revolution.

Interview – “Our Path to Zero”

Greg Fox, retired EVP of Operations for BNSF Railway says the company is doing the following to revolutionize safety, and what you can learn from it.

“Teamwork is Often Undervalued”

Organizational Psychologist Dr. Susan L. Koen is an expert on human reliability, workplace fatigue and high-performing work systems.

Future Work Lab: Innovation Partnership of DEKRA and Fraunhofer Institutes

In the new Future Work Lab of the Fraunhofer Institute, DEKRA promotes innovative concepts for occupational safety in the age of Industry 4.0.

Robots and Drones for Easy Working

Computers, drones and robots are projected to relieve workers in dangerous and monotonous jobs. But will hazardous jobs simply be made safer, or perhaps replaced entirely?

New Traffic Regulations for 2017

Every year, road users have to adapt to new traffic laws and regulations. These are the most important amendments in 2017.

X2Safe: ZF Develops a Networking Concept

The intelligent algorithm called X2Safe shall set a pathway for making the active integration of road traffic safer in future.

Gotthard Base Tunnel: Through the Heartland of the Alps

In summer 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel has been opened officially. To guarantee safety in the transport of goods, the Swiss Railway (SBB) Cargo AG has conducted test drives in January and April 2016, together with the DEKRA branch of Bielefeld.

Moving Road Works: Improving Safety with Autonomous Vehicles

Construction sites on motorways, especially moving road works carry a great potential risk, especially in regards to the securing of the site. Autonomous cars are supposed to improve the situation in future.

Lighting Technology: Intelligent Headlights

On the subject of lighting technology for cars, a new research project goes one step ahead with intelligent LED lighting.

Road heating system: getting through winter safely.

From 2017 on, a dynamic road heating system will be tested. The objective is to find out if it makes motorways safer during winter instead of just relying on road salt and snow ploughing services.

Accident rates: Stockholm is Europe’s safest capital.

In a long-term study, the Traffic Club Austria has checked Europe’s capitals for their traffic safety. The study takes account of the number of fatal accidents.

Accident research: Most incidents happen at the beginning of the week.

Accident research: On Mondays, there are significantly more accidents happening than on the other weekdays. What is the reason?

Moving towards “Main Inspection 4.0”

Vehicle inspections are developing alongside vehicle technology. Around half of German cars can now be inspected using the device.

Being prepared for a standstill: what you shouldn’t do in case of a traffic jam.

Traffic jams happen regularly, but especially at the end of the holiday season. Be cautious: certain rules also apply for stationary traffic.

E-cars in a worldwide comparison

By 2020, one million e-cars are supposed to drive on German streets. But how is the situation in other countries? Have look at our infographics.

Adhesive impact shield for better protection of pedestrians

Google wants to better protect pedestrians in case they collide with a car. The US company has a applied for a new patent for an adhesive impact shield.

DEKRA solutions 03/2016

Are we on the brink of an electric revolution? The latest issue of DEKRA solutions throws light on the interplay between energy and mobility. Interesting statements come from Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Head of Daimler Trucks. In our interview, he talks about advances in heavy goods transport.

Women’s Power: Referee meets Loss Adjuster

FIFA Referee of the Year Bibiana Steinhaus meets DEKRA Loss Adjuster Monique Kordes to discuss safety on the pitch and on the road, as well as fairness and expertise in a male-dominated environment.

Smartphone Usage: Smombies, beware!

Smartphone-obsessed pedestrians staring intently at their phones as they blunder through intersections and across footpaths are a danger both to themselves and other road users.

40 years of seat belt duty – first unloved, then natural

Fastening your seatbelt was first considered as a deprivation of liberty. Today, hardly anyone doubts the usefulness of seatbelts.

With autonomous driving, traffic lights could become needless

Scientists are working on intelligent control systems for the era of autonomous driving, in order to improve the traffic flow at crossings.

Augsburg is testing a traffic light for smartphones

Smartphones do not only distract car drivers from traffic but also pedestrians. For this reason, Augsburg is now testing a traffic light for smartphones.

DroneCatcher gets unwelcome drones under control

Drones are very popular, but they are not allowed to fly anywhere. In future, those who do not stick to the rules must be prepared to loose their multicopter.

How to prevent aquaplaning: 5 tips

When suddenly there is a lot of water on the road, tyres loose their grip and you risk to slip on the road. We tell you how to behave properly under aquaplaning.

What to do in case of an animal-vehicle crash?

These tips help you to avoid animal-vehicle crashes and tell you what to do in case of a collision with a stag or a deer.

Autonomous driving: Ford drives through the night without any light

A test in the US has shown that autonomous cars find their way even without cameras. A sophisticated sensor technique makes it possible.

Fast, faster, Tesla Model S Ludicrous Mode

All aboard: This is how it feels to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds – in an electric car. On top of that: Tesla can even do autonomous driving!

Signaling: Setting the indicators helps to avoid accidents.

Setting the indicator right increases road safety – for oneself and others. In this article, we explain when and where indicating is mandatory.

Visit to the school for self-driving cars

In the American federal state of Michigan a development centre for self-driving cars was created through the backdrop city Mcity.

Emergency corridor remains a mystery to car drivers

A survey reveals that car drivers are extremely uncertain, for example, when forming an emergency corridor. A lack of knowledge can have an adverse effect on road traffic safety.

Exhaust gas measurement: an interview with Clemens Klinke (part 3/3)

Interview: Clemens Klinke, board member of DEKRA SE and responsible for DEKRA Automotive, speaks about manipulation, tests and challenges for car manufacturers.

Exhaust gas measurement of the future: aiming for a global standard (part 2/3)

The new WLTP is planned to be valid globally instead of just on European grounds. The test shall provide a realistic picture but still be reproducible.

Exhaust gas measurement of the future: ready to go! (part 1/3)

The EU decided to replace the actual test cycle. At a workshop, DEKRA shows how the tests are currently done and which criteria will be applied in future.

How safe are Connected Cars?

The car is becoming our networked assistant with numerous functions. But the technical upgrading is a mixed bag.

Autonomous Driving: Germans More Skeptical Than Other Drivers

Only 8% of Germans expect a breakthrough within the next ten years. Greatest amount of confidence in the USA.

DEKRA solutions 02/2015

The vision of accident free traffic – and how DEKRA is working to make it become reality. The latest issue of our customer magazine DEKRA Solutions is all about mobile security.

Assistance systems: Quo vadis, car?

Vehicle computers have been connected to the Internet for some time and the sensors in assistance systems are becoming more sensitive with each new generation of car. We take a look at driving in tomorrow’s world.

No fatalities: Vision Zero

Road accidents are responsible for more deaths worldwide than wars and epidemics. Technical advances in vehicle engineering could in future put a stop to these fatalities.

Dekra: Global partner for a safe world

In our founding charter, our mission is written clear as day: For the past 90 years, DEKRA has been committed to identifying risks and ensuring safety.

You haven’t reached your destination (yet)

German car manufacturers Daimler, Audi and BMW invest large sums in map services. With good reason: Without absolutely reliable maps there is no way to autonomous driving.

Fire protection in a historical building

In order to ensure the greatest possible level of safety for their huge engine testing area at the Augsburg plant, MAN Diesel and Turbo SE rely on the explosion and fire protection experts at DEKRA EXAM.