The high accident rate in Poland is deplored. An improvement was noted in 1992-3 with the introduction of compulsory wearing of seat belts and use of headlights in daytime in winter. The poor road safety in Poland is explained by the inappropriate or dangerous behaviour of road users, inadequate transport infrastructure, deficiencies in vehicles, inadequate emergency response, inadequate traffic accident insurance, dispersed responsibility for road safety, and insufficient traffic regulation enforcement. The involvement of drivers from other countries in accidents is documented. The National Road Safety Council and its activities, road safety research, planned improvements to the road infrastructure in Poland, emergency response, and the financing of these activities are described. Tables of accident statistics, and data on activities during International Road Safety Week 1995 are also provided.
Abstract