The weather currently prevailing in our country means that road conditions are becoming highly changeable, more deceptive and dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, road traffic police officers appeal to everyone—drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike—to exercise particular caution and good judgment.
Many drivers think that the road surface is black and dry. Meanwhile, roads may already be frosty and therefore slippery. In such situations, wheels can easily lose traction. Let us remember that in many places, road surfaces combined with precipitation and leaves lying on the roads lengthen a vehicle’s braking distance; in extreme cases, a driver may skid and lose control of the car. Overtaking, passing other vehicles and entering a bend in such conditions can be very dangerous. Drivers should remember to travel with their lights on and comply with speed limits, and when weather conditions worsen, slow down in accordance with the principle that slower means safer. The police appeal to everyone not to drive recklessly, but to think and anticipate hazards.
Particular care is required in depressions in the terrain, on slopes, near forests and bodies of water—the road surface may be especially slippery there. Extraordinary caution should be exercised near pedestrian crossings. Let us also be careful when approaching them. If a pedestrian steps onto a crossing, a driver may be unable to stop in time.
The officers also issue a special appeal to pedestrians—not to step directly in front of an approaching vehicle. Even at a pedestrian crossing, they should make sure that the driver will be able to stop in time. Of course, pedestrians have priority at a crossing, but the principle of limited trust is fully applicable here.
Every pedestrian and cyclist should also remember about their safety and make sure they are visible. A reflective vest, key ring, armband or even an ordinary flashlight will make a pedestrian or cyclist more visible to an approaching driver when traveling along a poorly lit road. We remind you: since 31 August 2014, every pedestrian traveling after dark on a road outside a built-up area must wear a reflective element positioned so that it is visible to drivers. Failure to have a reflective element may result in a fine.
From Friday, 16 October, to Sunday, 18 October, this year alone, 269 accidents occurred on Polish roads, in which 33 people died and 347 were injured. Police officers also detained 867 intoxicated drivers. This toll could certainly have been far less tragic if bravado and disregard for basic regulations had not prevailed over common sense among many drivers and pedestrians. Failure to adjust speed to road conditions, excessive speed, driving a car under the influence of alcohol and drivers’ recklessness remain the main causes of road accidents in which innocent people die. Many drivers risk their health and, worst of all, their lives—and those of other road users: drivers, passengers, children traveling with their parents and pedestrians. Let us slow down and exercise maximum caution to prevent unnecessary tragedies.
Polish National Police Headquarters/ii