Dramatic scenes took place on the S19 expressway in Lublin. A 66-year-old driver of a light quad-wheeler, contrary to all regulations and logic, drove on the road and then turned around, rushing against the current. This reckless and highly dangerous ride, registered by a police camera, could have ended tragically. Driving against the current on the expressway This is 1 of the most dangerous offences that can cost your life – both yours and another participants in the movement. Check the consequences for specified behaviour and what you should do if you are in a akin situation by mistake.
Tragedy seconds: incidental on S19 that could have cost your life
Moments of horror survived the driver moving on the S19 expressway. A 66-year-old resident of the municipality of Wilkołaz, leading a light quad-wheeler of the Aixam brand – a vehicle that should not be on this kind of road at all – entered the expressway and then turned around the Kraśnik junction. His vehicle, headed against the current towards Polichna, forced another drivers to rapidly slide onto adjacent lanes to avoid a frontal collision. The full event was immortalized on the recording, which only emphasizes the scale of the threat.
In practice, this means that from minute to minute your calm passage can turn into a life struggle. No 1 expects a vehicle from across the street on the high-speed road. Senior, as he explained, had the incorrect route, but his mistake put dozens of people at risk. Police and traffic services were immediately called to the site. The man was sober, but his powers were stopped, and the case goes to court.
Why is driving against the current so dangerous? Legal implications and risks
Traffic on motorways and expressways is one-way for very circumstantial reasons. The speeds are advanced and the margin of mistake is minimal. A vehicle driving against the current becomes an invisible missile, as another drivers are not prepared for specified a situation. The velocity difference is summed up, which drastically reduces the consequence time and makes the chances of avoiding collision negligible.
Punishment for driving against the current is 1 of the highest prescribed in the Road Code. Under applicable regulations, driving against the current on the road or expressway threatens:
- Penalty of PLN 2000 (since September 17, 2022).
- 15 punishment points.
- Stopping of driving licences for a period of at least 3 months, and in the case of recidivism even longer.
- In case of danger or accident, the case goes to a court where the consequences may be much more serious, including criminal liability for causing disaster in land traffic.
Remember that a light quadricycle, specified as Aixam, due to its structural limitations (low maximum speed, no appropriate acceleration), there is no right to travel on express roads or highways. This is another serious offense, which in this case imposed on driving against the current, expanding the threat.
What do you do if you go against the power by mistake? Step by step instruction
Although this seems unimaginable, a mistake can happen to anyone – especially at night, in bad weather or in unknown terrain. If by mistake you enter the current on the road or expressway, your safety and the lives of others depend on immediate and correct response. Do not panic, but follow the instructions below:
- Stop immediately: Pull over to the nearest emergency belt or, if not possible, to the right of the roadway as close to the edge as possible.
- Enable emergency lights: It's a signal to another drivers that something is incorrect and they should take peculiar care.
- Notify the service: Call 911 or 911 immediately and study the situation. Enter the exact location (road number, mileage, nearest node). Police officers and road services will aid you safely leave the route.
- Stay on the vehicle: If possible, stay in the car, fastened with seat belts. Leaving the vehicle on a busy road against the current is highly dangerous.
- Absolutely not turn around: The effort to turn around on the high-speed road is highly risky and can lead to an immediate collision. Wait for the service.
Your fast and sensible action can save lives.
How to avoid mistakes and increase road safety?
Although incidents specified as the 1 on the S19 are rare, it is worth remembering the basic safety principles that minimise the hazard of confusion:
- Watch the signs carefully: Entrances to motorways and expressways are always clearly marked. Pay attention to entry and direction signs.
- Use navigation: Modern GPS systems are very helpful, but always verify their indications with road marking.
- Don't drive tired: Fatigue drastically reduces concentration and increases the hazard of errors. Plan your travel breaks.
- Be careful on knots: It is in these places that mistakes are most frequently made towards driving.
Road safety is simply a shared responsibility. Be alert, follow the rules, and respond responsibly to any different situation. This will make your journey safe for you and another road users.
Continued here:
Senior drove against the current on S19: Avoid tragedy and punishment. What to do on the express?
