Polish National Police Headquarters:
The police operation is rooted in concern for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists—road users who are in no way protected by a vehicle’s bodywork and are, in fact, at risk of coming into contact with it.
This Wednesday, road sections, intersections and pedestrian crossings where the risk of an accident is highest will be subject to greater-than-usual supervision.
Officers say:
Importantly, the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in Poland has improved compared with the previous year. The number of road accidents, injured people and fatalities has decreased. However, despite this improvement, it must be remembered that the risk of accidents remains real.
With regard, for example, to incidents involving pedestrians, it is alarming that nearly half of all accidents involving them still occurred at designated crossings. Therefore, as part of nationwide operations being held for the twelfth time this year, police officers will pay particular attention to drivers’ behaviour toward pedestrians, especially around marked pedestrian crossings. Bearing in mind that pedestrians cause one quarter of accidents involving them, officers will also closely examine pedestrians’ conduct.
Which locations will be supervised?
Those that are particularly dangerous for pedestrians, such as crossings over busy roads or crossings where collisions have occurred.
Officers add:
It is worth remembering that road users are required to exercise caution, particular caution and limited trust. Although these rules apply to everyone, pedestrians should be doubly determined to follow them, because in an accident involving contact with a vehicle’s bodywork, they will always lose.
How can pedestrians stay safe?
- when crossing the road, regardless of who has the right of way, remember to watch the vehicles
- make sure that the driver is reacting properly to your presence on the road.