Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for the manually operated soil compaction roller, comprising an operating lever and an adjusting element coupled to an actuator in order to drive said roller. In case of danger, a safety-control element travels in between the adjusting element and the operating lever and separates the positive coupling, whereupon the adjusting element swings into a neutral position and shuts down the machine. When the operating lever swings forwards, a command corresponding to a forward movement is transmitted to the drive mechanism of said roller via a second positive coupling.