On Tuesday morning, our colleagues from RTL Radio spoke with Paul Hammelmann, president of Luxembourg’s Road Safety Association, about ongoing traffic safety challenges in the Grand Duchy.
Hammelmann noted that the annual increase in accidents during early spring – a trend linked to milder weather and riskier driving behaviour – is not unique to Luxembourg, but he criticised the country’s delayed adoption of safety measures. He cited France’s introduction of automated speed checks in 2003, a system Luxembourg only implemented in 2020. Similarly, he highlighted that police here have long been restricted from conducting random alcohol tests without “visible signs of impairment,” fostering what he called a “lax culture” around drink driving that persists today.
While praising the government’s “very ambitious” Vision Zero action plan to eliminate traffic fatalities, Hammelmann stressed the need for stronger legislation. He pointed to France’s legal framework, where “endangering the lives of others” through extreme speeding or excessive drink driving is punishable even without causing an accident – a measure he argued could also help curb tuning and drifting events in Luxembourg. Currently, police here can only issue fines for vehicles that do not comply with regulations.
The Road Safety Association has called for mandatory helmet use for cyclists and scooter riders, citing rising accident risks – particularly with unregulated electric bikes.
Hammelmann noted that while motorcycle fatalities (9 in 2024) often involve tourists but local riders and cyclists remain vulnerable. “The state has upgraded crash barriers and signage, but personal safety measures must be enforced,” he said. However, he acknowledged practical challenges in implementing such a rule.
Hammelmann also raised concerns about “illegal” e-bikes (exceeding 25 km/h without registration) and e-scooters, admitting that legislation lags behind the speed of technological advances.
Hammelmann confirmed rumours that the Road Safety Association’s main sponsor, the Association of Insurance Firms (ACA), will withdraw funding in 2026. Insurers argue that the association completed its mission and is thus no longer needed. In ACA’s view, the Ministry of Mobility should now oversee road safety.
However, Hammelmann pointed out that, in addition to lobbying efforts to prevent road accidents, the association provides a series of services that need to be continued. These notably include the Coupe scolaire programme that teaches primary school children bicycle safety and court-supported rehabilitation programmes designed to reduce judicial workloads.
Hammelmann, who postponed his resignation to navigate the crisis, confirmed negotiations for new sponsors but stressed state intervention would be a “completely realistic” scenario.
