In the Silesian Voivodeship, the beginning of the year has seen a concerning surge in pedestrian accidents, with four fatalities and 18 injuries reported. Authorities stress the importance of increased caution on the roads, urging pedestrians to wear reflective elements and drivers to exercise heightened vigilance, adjust their speed to road conditions, comply with traffic regulations, and remain sober.
Since the start of the year, there have been 21 recorded traffic accidents involving pedestrians, resulting in four fatalities and 18 injuries. Among the most tragic incidents were those in Korbielów on Graniczna Street, Częstochowa on Legionów Street, where an 80-year-old man driving an Audi struck two women on a marked pedestrian crossing, and in Bytom on Zabrzańska Street, where the driver of a Mitsubishi fatally hit an 84-year-old pedestrian. Police investigators, working under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office, are examining the detailed circumstances surrounding these events.
Authorities remind drivers that approaching a pedestrian crossing obligates them to exercise special caution, reduce speed to avoid endangering pedestrians and yield the right of way. The police appeal to all road users to be prudent and cautious, emphasizing that extra care is never too much. Variable road conditions, precipitation, and the earlier onset of darkness negatively impact driving comfort and safety. Such conditions demand increased alertness and imagination from drivers. Adapting speed to prevailing road conditions and adhering to traffic regulations is crucial. Driving under the influence of alcohol is unacceptable.
Pedestrians are encouraged to wear reflective elements even in built-up areas, significantly enhancing their visibility on the road. As a cautionary measure, the police have released several recordings depicting inappropriate behavior by drivers towards pedestrians.