– Yesterday and today, a total of three fatal crashes occurred in Wałbrzych County and Oława County. Preliminary findings by officers working at the scenes indicate that excessive speed and driver fatigue may have contributed to them,” says junior aspirant Przemysław Ratajczyk of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Wrocław. “In this situation, officers are renewing their appeal for caution and strict compliance with the regulations in force; many such tragedies on the road could then be avoided.
Black Monday in Wałbrzych County
The crash in Wałbrzych County occurred on 13 September on county road 3464D, between Nowe Bogaczowice and Stare Bogaczowice. At around 7:20 a.m., a 22-year-old passenger-car driver lost control of the vehicle on a bend and struck a roadside tree.
Unfortunately, the resident of Strzegom died at the scene. The spokesperson said: “The damage to the car indicates that the crash occurred at considerable speed.”
Black Sunday in Oława County
Two fatal crashes occurred on Sunday, 12 September. Junior aspirant P. Ratajczyk:
Just before 6:00 a.m., the duty officer there received a report of a crash on the A4 motorway. According to the police’s preliminary findings, the driver of a Škoda passenger car, travelling towards Wrocław, most likely fell asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control of the car and hit the trailer of the truck travelling ahead of him. The man died at the scene.
Another crash occurred on national road 94, in Oława itself. The driver of a Volkswagen passenger car, travelling along Opolska Street towards Godzikowice, probably failed to adjust his speed to the traffic conditions, lost control of the vehicle on a bend and consequently rolled over. The 36-year-old Ukrainian man died at the scene. The car’s passenger, a 35-year-old Ukrainian citizen, emerged from the incident almost unscathed.
Provincial Police Headquarters:
In view of these tragic incidents, police officers once again appeal to all road users to follow safety rules and strictly comply with the provisions of the Road Traffic Act.
We must be aware that even the largest number of officers on the road will not ensure our safety if we do not take care to prepare properly for driving and behave appropriately behind the wheel of our car. Let us remember that the driver bears responsibility for the safety of everyone in the vehicle. A few simple steps are enough to avoid many dangerous situations on the road.
How to stay safe on the road
- It is extremely important to realise that our behaviour behind the wheel and driving technique must be adapted to the prevailing conditions. (After all, it is not the vehicle that skids and loses control, but the person driving it.) September weather is changeable and unpredictable; it does not forgive mistakes or a lack of common sense on the road.
- Excessive speed combined with recklessness—the most common causes of crashes—when the road surface is wet and often soiled with mud or leaves, is a direct route to road incidents with tragic consequences. That is why it is so important to adjust driving speed not only to the applicable limits, but above all to the conditions on the route.
- A proper distance must be kept from the vehicle ahead to allow time and space to react in an emergency.
- We must also signal manoeuvres sufficiently early, allowing other road users to respond appropriately.
- When travelling on foot—whether in a built-up area or outside it—let us remember to follow the applicable regulations, wear reflective elements and exercise caution on the road. Being visible means being safer. A person wearing muted, dark-coloured clothing without reflective elements is visible from a distance of only about 40 metres. A pedestrian wearing reflective items, however, can be seen from more than 150 metres away. When a speeding driver has only seconds to react if an obstacle appears in their path, these metres are of enormous importance. It must be remembered that a pedestrian has virtually no chance in a collision with a vehicle.
- If we are setting off on a longer journey in our own car, before leaving we should remember a few rules that will help us safely endure the journey and bring our loved ones safely to their destination:
- Let us check the technical condition of our car, its essential equipment (including a fire extinguisher and warning triangle), tyre pressure and fluid levels—if we have any doubts, we can always visit a vehicle inspection station.
- Let us check the necessary documents (driving licence, third-party liability insurance and valid technical inspection).
- Before setting off, let us plan the route and journey time, remembering to take frequent breaks to maintain concentration even during a long trip.
- While driving, always use seat belts and equipment for transporting children safely.
- Let us check the weather forecast—weather conditions have a major impact on our behaviour and that of our vehicle on the road.
- Let us observe speed limits and adjust our speed to the prevailing weather and road conditions.
- When setting out, let us be rested and, above all, sober.
