February is fatal for drivers, warning about 2 days when terrible accidents occur; cause is known

The Traffic Safety Agency today called on all participants in traffic to obey all regulations and to be extra careful and cautious due to the increased number of vehicles on the roads in the coming period, noting that 177 people died in traffic accidents on Serbian roads in February over the previous five years - an average of 35 people killed in that month every year.

The end of winter school break is marked by the highest number of deaths and injuries in traffic accidents, the agency said in a statement.

The most critical day is February 17, as traffic and travel volumes increase because of the marking of the national holiday and people returning from vacation, while statistics indicate a significant increase in traffic casualties on February 14, so-called Valentine's Day.

Speeding and driving under the influence are the most common causes of road accidents in the said period.

The agency said that traffic participants are potentially facing a critical winter school break period, from January 31 until February 17, and during the national holiday that will be celebrated February 15-17.

During the winter holiday weekends and the national holiday, Statehood Day - Sretenje, the volume of transit traffic is increased, with longer trips and those taking place at night being more frequent.

During this period of the year, especially in the mornings and evenings, fog is expected on the roads, while road surface is mostly wet and slippery.

Most travelers are headed for the mountains, often in adverse weather conditions, so the agency urges adequate preparation and use of winter equipment.

The agency recalls that from November 1 until April 1 vehicles must have winter equipment if snow or ice are present on the road.

The Traffic Safety Agency points out that due to the weather forecast, i.e., relatively favorable expected weather conditions, a larger number of vulnerable, endangered categories of traffic participants can be expected on roads and streets - pedestrians, cyclists, moped drivers and motorcyclists.

Pedestrians can be expected on roads in settlements, especially near shopping malls. Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to wear brighter and more visible clothing, be careful and obey traffic regulations.

Moped drivers and motorcyclists are advised to adequately prepare for travel, use protective gear, pay attention to ice on the road, especially in the mornings and evenings.

The holiday season is often accompanied by alcohol consumption, as well as by speeding, thanks to favorable weather conditions.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)