Early darkness, fog, and sometimes heavy rainfall – these are permanent elements of the approaching autumn weather. Changing the weather forces a change in driving technique – unfortunately, many drivers forget about it. The police call for special care for both drivers and pedestrians. Not adapting speed to road conditions can be a cause of the tragedy.
The advent of autumn aura makes the road conditions change very much, more treacherous and dangerous. Frequent rainfall or falling leaves cause the road to be wet and slippery, and the braking distance is significantly longer. Morning fog is an additional difficulty. They limit not only visibility, even to several meters, but also, settling on the road will make the surface slippery. Let us remember that the leaves lying on the roads in combination with falling rain are just as dangerous as snow and ice. Therefore, traffic police officers appeal to everyone, both drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, to exercise extreme caution and prudence.
Remember that exceeding the speed limit and not keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, in combination with a slippery surface, significantly reduces the braking distance. In extreme cases, the driver may slip and not control the car. Overtaking in such conditions, passing, cornering can be very dangerous. Drivers should remember to drive on the road with the lights on and observe speed limits, and when the weather conditions are worse, to slow down according to the rule that slower means safer. We urge you not to charge, think and anticipate threats.
Special care should be taken near pedestrian crossings. Be careful when reaching them. If a pedestrian enters the crossing, the driver may not brake. Therefore, a special appeal is also directed to pedestrians not to enter directly in front of the oncoming vehicle. Even at the pedestrian crossing, make sure the driver manages to slow down. Of course, pedestrians have priority in passing, but here the principle of limited trust applies most.
Every pedestrian and cyclist should also remember their safety and ensure that they are visible. A reflective vest, keyring, headband, or even an ordinary flashlight will make it easier for the oncoming driver to move around when the road is dim. We remind: every pedestrian who moves after dark on the road outside the built-up area must have a reflection placed in a way visible to drivers. There is a fine for missing reflective materials. Although traffic regulations do not impose the obligation to use vests with reflective fabric and reflective elements in built-up areas, they significantly improve visibility. They give drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving lives and health.