Increase in traffic accidents in Lika-Senj County: Greater driver responsibility needed

In the area of the Lika-Senj Police Administration, the past weekend brought significant challenges in traffic, with 11 traffic accidents recorded involving various levels of injury. Four individuals sustained serious injuries, while nine were lightly injured. Additionally, accidents resulting exclusively in material damage were recorded, including three accidents in Gospić, four in Otočac, and others in the area of Senj. This statistic again emphasizes the need for caution among all participants in traffic.

Serious traffic accidents in Gospić

One of the most severe incidents occurred on Friday, October 11, 2024, in the early morning hours on the A-1 motorway, near Gospić. The accident involved a 37-year-old driver from Serbia, whose vehicle had Serbian registration, which crashed into a car with Slovak registration when merging into traffic from a rest area, driven by a 50-year-old. In this collision, an 82-year-old passenger from the Serbian vehicle was seriously injured, while a 61-year-old, also a passenger, sustained minor injuries. This incident further illustrates the risks associated with not adhering to traffic regulations, especially when merging into traffic.

Traffic accidents with minor injuries

In the area of Senj, another accident occurred that resulted in minor injuries. Other incidents were recorded in the Gospić and Otočac areas, mostly with material damage. This information confirms the worrying trend of accidents that requires urgent measures to improve road safety.

Intensive police actions

During the weekend, the Lika-Senj Police Administration conducted preventive actions aimed at maintaining safety in traffic. Special emphasis was placed on sanctioning offenses related to speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this action, 28 offenses of exceeding the permitted speed were identified, 11 offenses of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and six offenses related to not using seat belts.

Alcohol and seat belts

The highest measured alcohol concentration was recorded in a 24-year-old from Otočac, with a level of 2.76 g/kg. This alarming data again points to the seriousness of the problem of driving under the influence of alcohol, which remains one of the key causes of accidents. The police appeal to all participants in traffic to adhere to regulations, emphasizing the importance of using seat belts and adjusting speed to road conditions.

Recommendations for traffic safety

As part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, the police urge drivers to pay attention to the technical condition of their vehicles, especially the condition and correctness of tires. Additionally, it is important to adjust speed to road conditions and respect traffic restrictions, including those imposed by variable signaling. Drivers are also advised not to consume alcohol before and during driving and to avoid using mobile phones while operating a vehicle.

Awareness of safety and driver responsibility

This situation clearly demonstrates how important it is for all participants in traffic to be aware of their responsibilities. Inappropriate speed, driving under the influence of alcohol, and non-compliance with traffic regulations make traffic accidents even more serious. The police continue to work on reducing the number of accidents and their consequences through increased surveillance and driver education.

Suggestions for improving safety

In the context of reducing traffic accidents, it is crucial that drivers avoid risky overtaking and maintain a safe distance while driving in convoys. Additionally, pedestrians are encouraged to wear reflective clothing or use light signals when moving at night or in low visibility conditions. Cyclists should also be especially careful and marked according to legal obligations.