Safety Analysis Pedestrian Crossings in Poland after the Regulations Change in 2021

Purpose: This paper presents the results of analyzes of the level of pedestrian safety after introducing changes to road traffic law for vulnerable road users. The relationship between drivers and pedestrians is important for the sustainable development of road transport, where more and more emphasis is being placed on the privileged position of pedestrians and cyclists. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper is empirical in nature and its main part is the analysis of data on road accidents with the separation of the pedestrian group, including incidents at pedestrian crossings. The analysis consisted of tabular and graphical presentation of the dynamics of the number of accidents and victims of accidents in general, among pedestrians and at pedestrian crossings for the period before and after the introduction of new regulations. The chi-square test of independence was used to assess the significance of changes in the severity of accidents before and after the introduction of the regulations. Findings: The improvement in road safety over the last two decades has been significant as the number of road accident victims in Poland has decreased almost threefold. The safety of pedestrians, as vulnerable road users, has improved to a greater extent than that of other road users. In relation to the general road situation, safety at pedestrian crossings has deteriorated. The analyzes show that the change in regulations did not significantly reduce the number of accidents at pedestrian crossings. It turned out that the introduced legal regulations had a certain effect in large cities. Moreover, the paper examines the impact of improving road infrastructure (construction of expressways) on the number of pedestrian victims. The results of this analysis indicate a faster decline in the number of pedestrian victims in counties where modern road solutions are being developed. Practical Implications: Road safety as one of the key goals to achieve sustainable development. One of the goals of transport policy is still to reduce the number of accident victims and people with serious injuries. Assessment of the impact of changing regulations on pedestrian safety in one country may be helpful in taking similar actions in the others. Originality/Value: The analysis concerns the socially important issue of road safety and is based on current data.