Fuád Abuschuscha
Everything used to be better! Or?
Many people believe this. But our perception is often misleading. In a media reality that tends towards negativity, positive developments are easily overlooked. We underestimate how much we have learned – and how our world has improved.
Example: Road safety
In the 1970s, more than 19,000 people died on the roads in Germany every year. The number of road deaths per 100,000 inhabitants peaked in 1970: 24.6 deaths – even though there were far fewer cars.
Today, with almost twice as many vehicles, this figure is only 3.3 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In absolute figures, this means over 16,000 fewer people die on the roads every year. This corresponds to a reduction of more than 85% – despite a sharp increase in mobility.
Why is this a reason to look forward to the future?
Because it shows that our society is capable of learning, innovative and willing to act:
Technology has become safer (airbags, ESP, emergency brake assistants)
Politicians have taken action (compulsory seat belts, drink-driving limits, speed limits)
People have learned (road safety education, information, behavior)
This is just one example of many that gives us reason to celebrate the progress we have made.
Today, we live safer, healthier and freer lives than ever before.
Yes, major challenges remain – but we have never had better opportunities to solve them.
What opportunities are opening up for companies?
New mobility markets: autonomous driving, driver assistance and connected vehicles are creating new business models along the entire value chain.
Secure an innovative edge: Those who invest early in security and automation technologies can position themselves in global markets.
Leveraging the benefits of trust: High safety standards strengthen customer confidence in new mobility solutions and accelerate their acceptance.
