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16 killed in Polish road accidents over Epiphany long weekend

09.01.2023 12:00
Sixteen people were killed in 95 accidents on Polish roads during the Epiphany long weekend, police said on Monday.
One person was killed and two others injured when a car carrying three young people crashed into a tree in Głobino, near the northern Polish city of Słupsk, on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, police said.
One person was killed and two others injured when a car carrying three young people crashed into a tree in Głobino, near the northern Polish city of Słupsk, on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, police said.Photo: PAP/KM PSP

Officers say they stopped 775 drunk drivers over the long weekend.

Meanwhile, 125 drivers lost their licences for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kph in built-up areas, traffic police spokesman Robert Opas told reporters.

Friday, January 6, was a public holiday in Poland, marking the Catholic Feast of the Epiphany.

Stricter traffic rules and tougher fines took effect in the country at the start of last year as part of efforts to improve road safety.

Under these regulations, the maximum fine for traffic offenses went up from PLN 5,000 (EUR 1,080, USD 1,215) to PLN 30,000 (EUR 6,500, USD 7,300).

Meanwhile, drivers failing to respect pedestrians at crosswalks face a fine of no less than PLN 3,000.

Those breaking the speed limit by more than 30 kph are subject to a minimum fine of PLN 800.

A total of 1,883 people were killed and 24,703 injured in 21,324 accidents on Polish roads last year, according to preliminary police figures.

(gs)

Source: PAP