Ten-Year Incidence and Time Trends of Railway Suicides in Germany From 1991 to 2000

The incidence of railway suicides compared with the total burden of suicides in Germany was studied. Time trends over a 10-year period were examined. From 1991-2000, a total of 8653 fatal railway suicides were recorded, accounting for 7% of all suicides in Germany. The annual average percentage change indicated an increasing time trend of the number of railway suicides for subjects 65 years & younger. Further research is recommended, particularly concerning possible reasons for the choice of this method. (20 refs.)