Yesterday, after 5:00 p.m., the duty officer at the District Police Headquarters in Zgorzelec received a report of a road incident that occurred on the 2nd kilometre of the A4 motorway in the direction of Germany.
Police:
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, including traffic police officers and a forensic technician from the Zgorzelec headquarters.
What was established?
According to the preliminary findings, the 20-year-old driver of a Mercedes delivery vehicle failed to adjust his speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, as a result of which he crashed into the rear of a truck combination that was standing in a traffic jam. As a result of the collision, the Mercedes driver and his 21-year-old passenger were taken to hospital.
Officers:
The circumstances of the incident will now be examined in detail under the supervision of a prosecutor.
Police appeal for caution on the road:
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. We remind you that, under the applicable regulations, the safe distance between vehicles on motorways and expressways is half the current speed. In addition to the distance required by law, it is worth bearing in mind that in heavy traffic or when braking, this distance should be large enough to allow the vehicle to stop – if necessary.
- Adjust your speed to the road conditions. Even on motorways, where permitted speeds are high, it is necessary to respond to changing circumstances, such as traffic jams, roadworks or weather conditions.
- Stay focused and avoid using your phone or other “distractions”. A second of inattention at high speed can lead to road incidents with tragic consequences.
- Listen to traffic announcements. Current information about incidents, traffic jams or changes to traffic organisation allows drivers to slow down or change their route sufficiently early.
- Watch the electronic signs. On motorways, it is essential to pay attention to electronic road-information signs, which may display messages about traffic jams, speed limits, roadworks or accidents. Electronic signage often warns drivers well in advance, allowing them to gradually reduce their speed and prepare for difficulties.