If you plan to drive in the coming days, prepare for frequent stops. The Slovak police have deployed the maximum number of patrols on the roads due to alarming accident statistics. Drivers should check their documents, first aid kits, and strictly follow the speed limits in advance, as every kilometer of the roads is under close watch by the traffic officers.
Why the police announced three days of increased control
The large-scale operation will last from September 11 to 13 across the entire country. Law enforcement took this step due to the rapid increase in the number of serious accidents and fatalities. According to official data from Prezídium Policajného zboru (Presidium of the Police Force), since the beginning of the year, 185 people have died on Slovak roads, which is 50 more compared to the same period last year.
The situation sharply worsened at the beginning of autumn. In just one week — from August 31 to September 6 — the country recorded 231 road traffic accidents, resulting in 10 deaths.
Who will be stopped most often and what to expect from the checks
Large forces have been involved in the nationwide operation. Not only road police crews but also order units and railway police have taken to the roads.
- Motorcyclists under special scrutiny. Due to the end of the summer season and the high victim statistics (among the dead since the beginning of the year were already 33 motorcyclists), patrols will pay maximum attention to bikers.
- Control of new rules. Inspectors will strictly monitor compliance with the latest legislative changes, including giving priority to pedestrians at uncontrolled crossings.
- Speed and maneuvers. The main focus will be on violations that most often lead to fatal consequences — speeding, dangerous overtaking, and distraction by gadgets.
SME notes that the main goal of the operation is not so much mass issuing of fines but prevention and an attempt to stop the wave of tragedies. Police officers urge drivers and transport workers not to take risks, not to exceed speed limits, and to consider that at the end of summer, road traffic remains very dense.
