SLOW DOWN! GUiDE YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS ...

Pedestrians and bikers – vulnerable road users, this is the group that is in the biggest danger on the road in case of traffic accident. In the spring and summer period, the youngest road users constitute a large part of them. For them, the bicycle becomes their favourite means of transport, giving them freedom and independence. In the interests of their safety, police from Szczytno together with local firefighters, supported by one of the local entrepreneurs, shot a spot warning drivers of the consequences of reckless driving. "Slow down! Guide your life and the lives of others ..."

Excessive speed is the most common cause of tragic road accidents. That is why every vehicle driver should be aware of the driving license is a privilege and a big responsibility. All driver must remember that they are responsible not only for their own lives, but about lives of all road users.

Pedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists in a collision with over speeding vehicle, have slight chances to survive. Vulnerable road users are not protected by the auto body, seatbelts or airbags. They have only their own bodies.

Polish facts and recommendations:
SUNNY WEATHER - MORE MOTORCYCLES AND BIKERS. WE HAVE TO REMEMBER ABOUT ROAD SAFETY

In 2019 on the roads of lubelski region occured 1150 road accidents, in which 171 people were killed and 1244 injured. Those statistics include accidents with motorcycles and bikes.
The main causes of traffic accidents are still the same: inadequate speed to traffic conditions, incorrect overtaking or forcing the right of way.  During last year 120 motorcycles took part in the road accidents. 12 motorcyclists died on the roads of lubelski region and 102 were injured. Drinking motorcyclists were involved in the 8 accidents. The main reason for accidents caused by motorcyclists was too high speed . Despite the current situation and the outbreak of the coronavirus, we must remember about road safety and proper road behaviour.

Joint Statement ‘Efficient enforcement in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic’ signed by ROADPOL

Now that we have to endure this COVID-19 crisis, it is more than ever clear how important road transport is to sustain critical flows of people and goods.

At the beginning of the crisis it was necessary to take drastic measures to sustain these crucial road transport flows, which has become apparent in the many and diverse derogations implemented by Member States.

Now that we are making the first steps towards normalisation of the road transport situation, it is important, in consultation with the most involved stakeholders, to claim the flexibility and empathy of enforcers, drivers and transport operators to pave the way to the ‘new normal’.

An appeal is being made to those involved to take the gradual path to normalisation during enforcement situations, with mutual understanding and leniency. Particularly where during roadside inspections the after-effects, due to the measures taken at the national level in the beginning of the crisis, are taken into consideration.

Although the road to a normal roadside inspection situation still seems long, it is important to mark the start of this by a joint statement initiated by the ECR and signed by ROADPOL and the most involved partners and stakeholders.
It is therefore my pleasure to present you the annexed joint statement. The joint statement is the result of good and constructive cooperation between the participating organisations.

While working on the joint statement it has become clear that it is important to also cooperate on guidelines on how road inspections can be properly carried out in the coming period without unnecessarily endangering the health of inspectors and drivers. This is also in the interest of clear communication, which should lead to the correct and smooth running of road inspections.

This collaboration is endorsed and supported by the EC DG Move.

A quarter (25 %) of road death in the European Union are the consequence of collision involving a goods vehicle. 5940 people lost their lives in police-reported road collisions in the 27 countries of the EU in 2018. Therefore roadside checks on lorries are a core element of road safety issues European Police forces are covering. Centralising and clearly communicating all specific national measures and exemptions regarding COVID-19 to the road transport and enforcement community, including publishing a list of all temporary relaxations of rules governing driving and rest times is necessary base for a correct and smooth running of road inspections.

29.05.2020

Volker Orben

ROADPOL President

see the Joint Statement of IRU, ETF, CORTE, ECR and ROADPOL

CROATIA: no excuse on the roads. Increased traffic control in the Police Directorate Koprivnica-Križevci after the easing of epidemiological measure.

As part of the mitigation of epidemiological measures introduced in Croatia in March 2020 with the aim of preventing the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19, on 11 May 2020 cafes, bars and restaurants re-opened and people were allowed to leave their residence without a permit. This meant an increased frequency of traffic and an increase of drivers violating traffic regulations. To ensure optimal safety for all road traffic participants, Police Directorate Koprivnica-Križevci amplify traffic control, in particular speed control, driver alcohol and drug testing, control off seat belt and mobile phone use and control off recidivist.