The police are appealing to all road users for caution on the roads.
“In autumn, weather conditions change dramatically and affect driving. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the distance from the vehicle in front, and before the intersection starts the process of stopping and signaling maneuvers earlier than usual,” remind police officers.
Dark and cold mornings, faster twilight, morning fog, the wet and slippery road often covered with leaves, increased rainfall – these factors reduce visibility and extend the braking distance.
“Remember to adjust the speed to the prevailing road conditions, like SAFETY SPEEDS, which in difficult weather conditions is often lower than the speed of road signs,” added officers.
To safely travel it is worth to prepare the vehicle for difficult autumn-winter conditions:
Correct the air pressure in the tires, which, together with the drop in ambient temperature, decreases which significantly affects their grip on the road, plan to change summer tires to winter tires. It is recommended to do this when the air temperature drops below 7 ° C. Summer tire at such temperatures significantly lose its properties, it becomes much slippery and there is a risk of sudden slips, the driver must have good visibility, which is very important especially during difficult weather conditions. Replace worn wiper blades that frequently blur the windshield to create discomfort for the driver.
Special police appeal is also directed at pedestrians who are most exposed to danger on the roads. Remember to avoid entering the road directly in front of the approaching vehicle, make sure that the driver manages to slow down, and on a slippery wet surface the stopping distance of the vehicle is much longer.
A visible pedestrian is a safe pedestrian!
“Every pedestrian should be equipped with a reflective element in order to become more visible to the driver,” informs KWP. Reflective elements may be reflective bands, reflective vests, and reflective tape for clothing. They should be placed at the level of knees, elbows, around the center of the chest and back – then we will be sure that they are clearly visible to other road users. It is worth recalling that after dark a pedestrian dressed in a dark outfit – without a reflection is seen by the driver of the vehicle at a distance of about 30 meters. However, a walking person wearing reflective elements with reflective fabrics becomes visible even from a distance of 150 meters, which allow the driver to slow down and safely avoid walking. Drivers of vehicles must carefully watch the road and pay special attention especially to pedestrians who are invisible during dark mornings and early dusk and not having a reflective element.