Locked down 2020 May weekend kills more than in 2019

During the long May weekend, there were 184 accidents in which 23 people were killed and 211 injured, Poland’s police headquarters stated on May 4. Over 1,100 drivers were detained for driving under the influence of alcohol. At least 830 people were detained for speeding in built-up areas by over 50 km/h.

For comparison, during last year’s long weekend there were 356 accidents in which 34 people were killed and 425 injured. As many as 1,815 people who were driving while under the influence of alcohol were detained. According to the police, last May bank-holiday weekend was longer than in 2020 and lasted six days.

However, between the same dates in 2019, there were 252 accidents in which 21 people were killed and 297 injured. And 1,815 drivers were detained under the influence of alcohol.

“Less car traffic [owing to the ongoing lockdown] increases the number of fatal accidents,” a police spokesperson said.

(PAP)