The safety of older people has been a priority for many institutions and non-governmental organizations for several years. They undertake a range of activities aimed at improving safety. One such area, important and particularly close to the Police, is the safety of senior citizens in road traffic.

The law does not restrict senior citizens from using roads, driving vehicles or riding bicycles. However, senior citizens should be aware that their perception sometimes no longer keeps pace with the dynamics of modern road traffic. Therefore, they should exercise increased caution and, in particular, apply the principle of limited trust toward other road users. Naturally, they should also comply with traffic regulations.

During preventive activities, uniformed officers remind people how to:

  • move along the road correctly in accordance with applicable regulations and use reflective elements
  • psychophysical fitness affects perception and the ability to drive a vehicle
  • participate safely in road traffic as a cyclist, driver and pedestrian
  • biological and mental changes that progress with age affect road safety.

Out of concern for the safety of older people, the Police appeal to all road users to exercise caution and sound judgment. Senior citizens, remember to:

  • use the pavement or pedestrian path
  • if there is no pavement, use the shoulder
  • when there is no shoulder, you may use the roadway, keeping as close to its edge as possible and giving way to an approaching vehicle
  • when walking along the shoulder or roadway, walk only on the left side of the road
  • use designated pedestrian crossings
  • before crossing the road, stop and look left, right and left again; if nothing is coming, cross only then. If a car does not slow down, wait, even if you have the right of way or the light is green!

Senior citizens, remember that you must not enter the roadway:

  • directly in front of a moving vehicle, including at a pedestrian crossing
  • from behind a vehicle or another obstacle that limits visibility of the road
  • slow down or stop without necessity while crossing the roadway.

Senior citizens, wear reflective items in a way that makes them visible to other road users! Wearing them is mandatory when walking on a road after dark outside a built-up area!

Senior citizens, remember that seeing an approaching car does not mean that the driver can see you too.

Senior citizens “behind the wheel,” pay particular attention to:

  • giving way to:
    • pedestrians—at pedestrian crossings
    • cyclists—at cycle crossings
    • buses—when joining traffic from a bus stop
  • maintaining a safe distance:
    • from other vehicles and road users
    • that allows a safe response at the appropriate time
    • when overtaking
  • adjusting speed to road conditions
  • joining traffic safely
  • clearly and in advance signaling the intention to change direction
  • applying the principle of limited trust
  • regularly checking the technical condition of the vehicle you are using.