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Sat, May 26 2012
KAT tells of improving road safety in spite of six overnight fatalities
Photo: Krassimir Yuskesseliev
The Bulgarian traffic police KAT told the private Bulgarian television channel bTV that drivers are showing a "growing tendency" to slow down and abide by speed regulations.
The statistics were revealed only a day before the pan-European road safety campaign, led by European Traffic Police Network, or Tispol, in which Bulgaria has participated, was due to end. The behaviour of drivers once the operation is over is yet to be seen.
In places where motorists are aware of a police presence, and the area is surveyed by radar, the "overwhelming response" of drivers is to follow the rules. Accordingly, KAT believe that such "massive and high profile police actions act as deterrents and have an educational character overall", the report said.
"More than 120 fines for speeding were issued in Sofia alone," Stanislav Iliev from KAT told bTV. "And more than 40 per cent of all accidents in the country are attributed to speeding," he added.
"But there is a growing tendency for people to be aware of our presence and follow the rules".
The reality, however, is that radars, surveillance equipment and police patrols cannot be everywhere at all times – and whereas some areas are under relative control and safety, many other roads and junctions remain free-for-alls.
In spite of the police action, 23 heavy collisions resulting in the death of six people occurred overnight across the country.
In Sofia alone, 71 minor and seven severe accidents occurred, killing two and resulting in five people being hospitalised in serious condition, Bulgarian media reported.
The statistics were revealed only a day before the pan-European road safety campaign, led by European Traffic Police Network, or Tispol, in which Bulgaria has participated, was due to end. The behaviour of drivers once the operation is over is yet to be seen.
In places where motorists are aware of a police presence, and the area is surveyed by radar, the "overwhelming response" of drivers is to follow the rules. Accordingly, KAT believe that such "massive and high profile police actions act as deterrents and have an educational character overall", the report said.
"More than 120 fines for speeding were issued in Sofia alone," Stanislav Iliev from KAT told bTV. "And more than 40 per cent of all accidents in the country are attributed to speeding," he added.
"But there is a growing tendency for people to be aware of our presence and follow the rules".
The reality, however, is that radars, surveillance equipment and police patrols cannot be everywhere at all times – and whereas some areas are under relative control and safety, many other roads and junctions remain free-for-alls.
In spite of the police action, 23 heavy collisions resulting in the death of six people occurred overnight across the country.
In Sofia alone, 71 minor and seven severe accidents occurred, killing two and resulting in five people being hospitalised in serious condition, Bulgarian media reported.
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Very interesting impressionist discussions - but can anyone tell me why in the Netherlands, with 16 million inhabitants, in 2009 there were 720 fatalities, and in Bulgaria, with half the population, there were about twice as much? And let me tell you, in Holland I see far less police on the road than in Bulgaria.
Why cell phone conversations are more distracting than conversations with passengers: http://cartalk.com/ddc/
"Ok A step in the right direction.I thought it was against the law in Bulgaria to talk on your mobile phone when driving.It seems to me this is when most drivers use their phones"
Linda, It's illegal in England aswell but the law hasb't stopped people. I see drivers talking on their mobiles every time I drive anywhere.
Btw Linda,
I was just reading that forcing people to use hand free devises in California, has shown no statistical difference as far as phone related accidents go.
Apparently it isn't the hand preoccupation but the mental distaction of the conversation that endangers everyone.
By that logic, one has to assume that cars with more than one riders, should be more likely to be in a accident, and it probably is so.
Wanna ban passengers?
@step
yes, you are right it certainly is so... in Simpleville...
Without history, you have no context. Without context, all you have is empty frustration.
Humans are primerily motivated by habit.
@Linda
some would argue that phones are a "small infrengements" .
Phone violations are the smallest fines world wide.
I know in California first time offence for talking and driving is $25. For using the commuter lane without passengers is $300.
Instead of referring to history every time wouldn't it be a big jump forward into the future to actually do something instead of just talk about what has been? Patience is a word unknown in Bulgarian traffic, it's about the only place where you will find a Bulgarian in a hurry.
Ok A step in the right direction.I thought it was against the law in Bulgaria to talk on your mobile phone when driving.It seems to me this is when most drivers use their phones.Statistics show this is the cause of 60% of accidents globally.I would love to see the law enforced,it could save a few lives!Instead of trying to hussle money from small infringements.
btw most Bulgarians over 40 still mistake the freedom for lack of rules.
You'd hear them lament the orderly past, and it was not - it was random arbitrary use of power left and right, in a pathologic scale.
The driving habits are but a small visible sign of the trauma, and seeing them change, for a keener observer, is certainly a good indicator for the deeper wounds our society is nursing and the healing at work...
Joseph,
don't you know that anything positive about BG is illegal here?
Never mind the foreigners, the Bulgarians will attack you if you note any improvements in their own country... it's called "provincial narcissism" meaning we find it reassuring to be the worse...
Two things have happened:
1. Pretty much every one has been/lived in a country where drivers are more patient and respectful to each others and pedestrians.
2. The realization that a pedestrian is only a driver, who's stepped out of his car, has [...]
Read the full comment kicked in.
It may sound simple to you, but in a country with no traditional classes, and one where being in a car was initially connected with government authority/power (the commies were the first to enjoy the luxury in a more broad scale) it's not surprising that there was that air of superiority about oneself when in a car. Hence the right to chase the ants - the pedestrians.
All that is changing along with some very real minding of the law that was completely absent, not only in the 90s but long before that. The commie years were the most lawless time, no matter what some may chose to remember that would contradict that fact... As I've said before - BG's never been a better place than now.
The reality is accurate where there are no patrols, but Valeri has a point. I've been surprised by people stopping for me in crosswalks, or slowing down recently. Ten years ago, that would have never happened. Granted, there is a lot of room for improvement, but it's a step in the right direction.
Oh sasho, aren't you CONSTRUCTIVE?
What part of what I said do you disagree with?
contrary mary valeri!!!
this guy has a problem and bulgaria does not need these kind of people nor their stupid comments.I am bulgarian but will not see much improvement until some of his kind(frustrated by something or everything)will quieten and be more CONSTRUCTIVE.
"as a terrified pedestrian in Sofia - I thought it was a rule that all drivers in sofia must be using a mobile phone when turning a corner"
LOL, that's your problem?
Things have gotten sooo much better! At least most drivers slow down for pedestrians. especially on the zebras.
In the old days (1990s) they'd speed up to make them run.
There's evolution here. The fact that you complain about the phones - a small matter by BG standards, means that things have improved.
as a terrified pedestrian in Sofia - I thought it was a rule that all drivers in sofia must be using a mobile phone when turning a corner
What a load of rubbish. Most drivers still driving without using seatbelts, using the mobile phone whilst driving, and ignoring the no overtaking guidelines. Children in cars without restraints. Watched one man driving yesterday with a child of 2 or 3 standing between his legs. The miracle is that there are not more deaths and serious injuries.