The number of road accidents is declining. According to police statistics, 83 accidents occurred on the roads of Bolesławiec County in 2008. Twenty-two people died and 111 were injured. For comparison: last year, there were 73 serious road incidents (12% fewer than in 2008), in which 20 people died and 99 were injured. The number of collisions also fell. There were 1,149 in 2008, and 69 fewer in 2009.
The most common cause of accidents in 2009 was excessive speed (36% of serious road incidents). Almost one-third of the accidents were caused by drivers who failed to give way. Other frequent causes of last year's road incidents included improper overtaking and driving under the influence of alcohol (10% each). As many as 7% were accidents caused by pedestrians.
According to officers, the decrease in the number of accidents is connected with the opening of the A4 motorway linking Zgorzelec and Krzyżowa (from August to the end of December 2009—in Bolesławiec alone—police officers recorded 40% fewer accidents than during the same period in 2008). Police campaigns aimed at improving safety on the roads of our county have also played a significant role.
How can an accident be avoided? “It is difficult to offer any kind of formula,” says Adriana Szajwaj, spokesperson for the Bolesławiec police. “Caution, imagination and following traffic regulations are important.”
(information from KPP Bolesławiec/ii)