Biznes Fakty
Last year, police officers detected almost 2.5 million speeding violations
Throughout 2024, law enforcement officials conducted more than seven and a half million traffic inspections, leading to the identification of nearly two and a half million speeding infractions. Over sixty percent of these violations took place at pedestrian crossings, as reported to the Polish Press Agency by the Road Traffic Office of the Police Headquarters.
The statistics reveal that among the traffic offenses identified by the police last year, the highest number, 2.42 million, were for speeding. More than 1.5 million of these occurred close to pedestrian crossings. Following speeding, the next most common offenses committed by drivers included: failure to wear seat belts – 154,746; improper stopping or parking – 148,690; as well as technical light failures – 138,627 and driving without lights – 95,579.
Offenses identified by the police
55,979 offenses detected by police related to improper lane changes or direction of travel, and 45,230 involved failure to yield to another vehicle. Other detected offenses included: improper overtaking – 34,896; using a mobile phone while driving – 31,550; and disregarding traffic signals – 30,011. The offenses were not limited to drivers; police data indicates that last year over 165,000 offenses were committed by pedestrians. The majority of these offenses were related to crossing the road in forbidden areas – 118,114; ignoring traffic lights – 19,563; absence of reflective gear – 15,881; and walking on the incorrect side of the road – 11,608. Senior Police Commissioner Robert Opas from the Road Traffic Office indicated that while the number of 7.5 million checks is slightly less than in 2023, when over 7.8 million were performed, he noted that analyzing road safety data from recent years allows one to „gently conclude that Poles are driving a bit more safely”. He added that police conducted 16 million alcohol tests, leading to the identification of „92,324 drivers under the influence, which represents a 4.5% drop in the number of apprehensions compared to 2023”. Opas acknowledged that the predominant offenses still include exceeding speed limits, especially near pedestrian crossings, and failing to yield. These offenses increased slightly compared to 2023, attributed in part to heightened enforcement of regulations that lead to road accidents. – Notably, there has been a significant reduction in pedestrian violations, which has also contributed to fewer incidents involving them. It is important to mention that there was a slight decrease in road fatalities last year and an improvement in pedestrian safety – he stated.
Preventive measures by the police
Senior Commissioner Opas emphasized that a vital aspect of road safety initiatives is not only effective police monitoring but also proactive prevention. – Therefore, in addition to enforcement, traffic police focus on carrying out informative and preventive measures, including educating road users on safety – he pointed out. He noted that the police launch and organize initiatives aimed at preventing crimes and offenses related to road safety and collaborate with state and local governments as well as social organizations in this endeavor. – This year, the primary objective will certainly be to further decrease the number of road accidents, and consequently, conduct more driver checks and educational campaigns. We will place significant emphasis on pedestrian safety and visibility on the roads, teaching first aid, and enhancing the safety of cyclists. There will be no leniency towards drunk drivers or those under the influence of substances. Our commitment to improving road safety remains unwavering, and we assure you that in 2025 we will strive to make it safer than last year – he declared. Based on preliminary data from the Police Headquarters, as of early January 2025, last year there were 21,528 road accidents in Poland, resulting in 1,881 fatalities and 24,825 injuries. Additionally, there were 38,860 collisions.
