Easter is only a few days away. Lower Silesian police officers are already preparing for this period. Their main task will be to ensure safety and order on the roads. Major routes, roads leading out of cities, as well as the areas around churches and cemeteries will be subject to special supervision. Officers will ensure that travelers can move efficiently and safely, but will also provide appropriate assistance whenever necessary. Experience from previous years indicates that this year, too, many people will spend considerable time on the road while visiting their loved ones. They will travel by train, coach or private car. Police officers will pay attention to the safety of travelers and their luggage at railway and bus stations.

However, officers expect the greatest holiday traffic on the roads. That is why there will be more police patrols. Officers will be present not only on the most important roads in our region, but also on local roads. They will use patrol cars—both marked and unmarked—equipped, among other things, with video recorders. When the situation on the road requires it, officers will direct traffic so that travelers can reach their destinations efficiently and safely. Ultimately, safety should matter to all of us, so it is worth preparing properly for the journey.

Remember:

  • when setting out on a longer journey, we should be well rested
  • check our car—whether its technical inspection is up to date, the lights work properly, there is washer fluid in the reservoir, and it has a fire extinguisher, spare wheel, etc.
  • check our documents, both those belonging to the car and those belonging to the driver
  • prepare a travel plan—the route and places where we can rest during the journey
  • wear seat belts and transport children in car seats
  • adjust our speed to road conditions and our abilities—slower driving is safer driving
  • never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

The officers advise that during our trips we should also remember to secure our houses and apartments. Before leaving, all windows and doors should be carefully locked. If we have burglar-proof roller shutters, they should be lowered—after all, that is why we installed them. Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on our home during our absence. Do not leave any signs indicating that we are away, such as scattered advertising leaflets on the doormat or correspondence in the mailbox. Do not leave apartment keys in an agreed location, such as a storage compartment or under the doormat.

The Easter holiday period also includes the tradition of Wet Monday. Remember: improper observance of the Easter custom of Śmigus-Dyngus—for example, pouring large quantities of water from buildings onto passers-by, causing pollution, or throwing water-filled plastic bags from overpasses onto passing cars—may result in an infringement of personal inviolability, bodily harm, property damage or violation of the sanctity of the home. Such people must expect legal consequences for their irresponsible behavior.

Remember: dousing random passers-by with water may expose us to financial losses—for example, if someone’s clothing is damaged. Particular attention should be paid to children during this period, as in the excitement of water-dousing games, the youngest participants often run into the road, violating traffic regulations, while wet road surfaces may prove to be an unpleasant and consequential surprise for approaching cars. Police officers warn those who engage in mass and persistent dousing about the legal consequences of any hooligan incidents.

If something seems concerning, do not hesitate to ask for help. Such cases should be reported to police officers by calling 997 or 112. They will check every such report.