Traffic accident statistics show that late autumn is a high-risk period in road traffic. Statistics indicate that the average casualty count per fatal road accident is higher in October than in other months of the year, whereas statistically, after the summer months, November is the darkest time of the year regarding the total number of fatalities in accidents.
In October-November, the police strive to prevent road traffic accidents by focusing special attention on the risk factors that are statistically among the contributing factors to accidents.
Slightly more than every third victim of fatal accidents that occur in November is an unprotected road user, that is, a pedestrian or cyclist. This is the highest proportion of unprotected road users in comparison with other months of the year. However, the majority, that is, approximately two thirds of the casualties are on board passenger cars, even in November. The contributing factors to fatal accidents often include speeding and slippery road conditions, typical for autumn, that have resulted in driving off the road with disastrous consequences.
Ensure visibility and follow the permitted speed limits
In late autumn, the police will focus special attention on the supervision of excessive speeds and visibility of unprotected road users, such as bicycles during the dark and twilight hours of the day. Particularly in slippery road conditions, and whenever other weather conditions and darkness restrict visibility, it is particularly important to ensure that visibility-improving protective and security equipment are used, and to comply with the permitted speed limits.
The police urge all road users to pay special attention to their personal safety and that of their loved ones by ensuring sufficient visibility as the autumn gets dark. Reflectors and high visibility vests are invaluable protective equipment as visibility fades towards winter. The functioning of car headlights and bicycle lights must be checked at all times before setting off in traffic during the twilight and dark hours of the day.
Compliance with speed limits and adjusting driving speed to the changing autumn weather and road conditions provide road users vital time to react to unexpected situations in traffic.
The police wish all road users a safe autumn!
