Young people under the age of 25 accounted for more than 50% of incidents involving causing a serious traffic hazard. However, there were no serious accidents.
The police carried out a nationwide intensive control operation of young people’s behaviour in traffic during the weekend of 18-20 October 2024. The focus of the operation was on detecting speeding mostly on main roads in the evening and at night and also in built-up areas during the day, as well as surveillance of any meet-ups.
A total of 604 fines and 397 traffic penalty fees were issued during the weekend. These figures include all fines and traffic penalty fees, not just those issued to young people. In addition, 47 incidents of causing a serious traffic hazard were recorded.
Of the drivers, 89 drove their vehicle in such a way that the criteria for gross negligence were met. In practice, this means that the driving speed exceeded the maximum speed allowed by around 30 km/h or more.
Young people aged under 25 also received sanctions, with 87 (22% of the total) being issued with a traffic penalty fee and 180 (30% of the total) receiving fines for speeding, of which 36 (40% of the total) are suspected of gross negligence. In addition, 25 (53% of the total) are suspected of causing a serious traffic hazard.
Young drivers have a three times higher risk of death
Young people are over-represented in traffic accidents and, relative to the population, have a risk of death of three times higher than that of the population as a whole.
Speeding is a major risk factor in fatal road accidents. As speed increases, the risks of various errors resulting in an accident increase and the consequences of accidents are usually more serious.
The weekend seems encouraging as far as serious accidents are concerned and preliminary information indicates that there were no fatal accidents.
In this context, the police would like to remind everyone of the importance of reflectors as the mornings and evenings grow darker. The police would also remind vehicle drivers of the correct situational speed, especially in conjunction with pedestrian crossings and other crossing points.
