There was a serious accident on Tuesday, 15 September, on the A4 motorway in the direction of Wrocław. At around 5:30 p.m., police officers were notified of an incident at the 97th kilometre of the route.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the 33-year-old Seat driver was travelling in the left lane. At one point, as a result of falling asleep at the wheel, he veered onto the shoulder and hit an energy-absorbing barrier.
The Seat then moved into the right lane. There, the car hit another barrier and then collided with a Scania.
The accident had serious consequences. The Seat driver and his three passengers sustained serious injuries. The injured people were transported to hospitals.
Police remind drivers that fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel can lead to loss of control of a vehicle and serious accidents. Drivers planning a longer journey should ensure they get enough sleep and rest before setting off.
During a longer journey, it is worth taking regular breaks, getting out of the car, stretching your legs and getting some fresh air. If drowsiness appears, you should not try to wait it out while driving—it is safer to stop the car in a suitable place and rest.
Police officers also point out that coffee or an energy drink cannot replace sleep and recovery. Temporary stimulation does not solve the problem of fatigue, which can significantly limit the ability to drive safely.
In this case, falling asleep at the wheel led to a series of collisions and a serious accident. “It is better to arrive a few minutes late than not to arrive at all,” the officers remind drivers.