The number of accidents also fell (by 542), as did the number of people injured – by 752.
A safe July
“Since the new, stricter road regulations came into force, drivers have been driving significantly more slowly,” stressed Małgorzata Woźniak, MSW spokesperson, during a briefing summarising the first month of the holiday season on our roads. The ministry recalls that since 18 May, drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 50 km/h in a built-up area have their driving licence confiscated directly by the police officer conducting the inspection. If that person continues to drive without a driving licence, the three-month period is extended to six months. By 5 August, the police had confiscated as many as 6,694 driving licences.
The holiday season is not over yet
“Preliminary statistics show that our roads are becoming increasingly safer,” stressed the MSW spokesperson, adding that the improvement in safety is due to the new regulations.
“When driving in hot weather, our concentration is very limited. The asphalt also melts, so drivers must be extremely careful, especially on bends. Let us also remember that a heated braking system makes the brakes less effective,” warned junior inspector Marek Konkolewski of the National Police Headquarters.
Safe Bus
M. Woźniak also encouraged people to use the “Safe Bus” e-service. The service was launched in June last year, and so far 225,000 users have used it, including 13,500 people in July this year alone. “Thanks to the service available at www.bezpiecznyautobus.gov.pl, we can check whether a bus carrying, for example, our children on holiday has valid third-party liability insurance and a valid technical inspection. We do not have to leave home to check this. Every parent can check whether the bus carrying their children is roadworthy and authorised for traffic,” the MSW spokesperson recalled.
Details on the Ministry of the Interior website.
MSW/ii