Polish police last week stepped up patrols on major roads as people headed off for traditional family gatherings during the festive season.
Officers were paying special attention to the speed at which vehicles traveled during the holiday period. They were also checking to make sure drivers were sober.
Police say they stopped 580 drunk drivers from December 24 to 26.
Meanwhile, 66 drivers lost their licences over the long Christmas weekend for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kph in built-up areas, traffic police spokesman Robert Opas told reporters on Tuesday.
At the start of this year, stricter traffic rules and tougher fines for drivers took effect in Poland as part of efforts to improve road safety.
Under these regulations, the maximum fine for traffic offenses went up from PLN 5,000 (EUR 1,075, USD 1,145) to PLN 30,000 (EUR 6,450, USD 6,880).
Drivers breaking the speed limit by more than 30 kph face a fine of no less than PLN 800.
During last year’s Christmas break, eight people were killed and 145 injured in 112 accidents on Polish roads, according to police statistics.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP