A tire blew out on a horse transport vehicle on the A4 motorway between Legnickie Pole and Legnica. “As a result of the tire damage, the wheel arch of the vehicle caught fire. Due to the resulting danger, the driver immediately stopped the vehicle and led the horses out,” reports junior warrant officer Jagoda Ekiert, press officer of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Legnica.
Police officers from the Legnica traffic unit and firefighters went to the scene.
Junior warrant officer J. Ekiert:
The drivers traveling on the A4 motorway showed a lack of prudence in this situation by honking at the animals standing on the road. The horses became frightened and repeatedly tried to escape. Because of the danger, the officers decided to close the motorway and escort the horses to the nearest parking area. Fire Service officers joined the escort and walked with the horses and their handler to a safe place. After a while, a replacement vehicle with a trailer arrived and took the horses away.
The officers add:
We urge drivers to behave appropriately on the road when they notice wildlife on the roadside or roadway. Remember never to use your horn, brake suddenly, or flash your lights. An animal may react aggressively to the signals we send or stand motionless. Therefore, in such a situation, slow down to a minimum, drive past, or wait until, for example, a wild animal moves away.