Drivers of such vehicles knowingly decide to drive while completely depriving themselves of visibility and control over what is happening on the road. Sometimes it is simply recklessness. But there are situations that are difficult to describe even as a lack of imagination. Unfortunately, such practices can lead to serious road incidents.
In winter, most often in the morning (but not only then), cars can be seen on the roads whose appearance may cause serious concern among other road users. The problem is not the vehicles’ technical condition, but snow and ice lying on their bodywork and windows. Sometimes all the windows are frosted over, while the windscreen has been cleared of snow only partially, allowing the driver to see something ahead. Something, because their field of vision is practically zero.
Such a situation, combined with poor weather conditions, can have tragic consequences. The driver of such a vehicle is unable to see a pedestrian, even in full daylight; they also cannot see other vehicles properly. They drive by feel, endangering all road users. Pieces of ice or snow also often fall from such a car while it is moving, landing on vehicles travelling behind it, damaging their windows or forcing drivers to brake sharply.
Falling ice from vehicles is also a frequent problem outside urban areas. There have been cases of large pieces of ice falling from a TIR trailer. At higher speeds, they can pose a deadly threat.
In each of the situations described above, the driver knowingly puts all other road users at risk, even though the regulations clearly define their duties.
Police officers from Lower Silesia remind drivers that, under road traffic law, a vehicle participating in traffic must be equipped and maintained in such a way that using it does not endanger the safety of the people travelling in it or of other road users. It must also not disrupt traffic on the road or expose anyone to harm. The use of a vehicle in traffic must also provide the driver with an adequate field of vision and allow them to operate the steering, braking and signalling devices easily, comfortably and reliably.
What consequences does a driver who fails to comply with the above regulations face?
Certainly, if a police patrol notices a vehicle posing a threat to other road users, it will be stopped. In this situation, the driver must expect a fine of between 20 and 500 złotys.
So let us remember to take care of our own safety and that of other road users before setting off on a journey by car. Sometimes it takes only a few minutes to properly prepare the vehicle for the trip and ensure comfortable and safe driving, or even prevent a tragedy on the road.
asp. szt. Łukasz Dutkowiak, KWP Wrocław/ii