This article describes the issue of the influences of the time factor and wildlife populations on road animal–vehicle crashes. The article presents problems associated with animal–vehicle crashes in Poland. They are the subject of many court disputes. For the purposes of the study, data on animal–vehicle road crashes were obtained from the SEWiK database, as well as data on the numbers of animals in hunting districts from 2016–2020. The relationship between the number of road crashes and time was analysed, and the relationships between the numbers of road crashes and the animal populations, as well as the locations, types, and categories of the hunting districts, were analysed as well. The factors related to changes in the wildlife populations, road crashes in previous years, and the lengths of the road networks were also analysed. The research shows no relationship between the abundance of a particular species and the number of road crashes. Instead, there is a correlation between the number of crashes in previous years and the road network length.
This article describes the safety and effectiveness issues related to signal countdown timers (SCT). These devices are used in many countries around the world. The impact of these devices on road safety and the effectiveness of traffic lights is presented. During a literature review, more than 18 aspects of device use were recognized. The research involved measurements carried out at three intersections in Płock (Poland). The initial and final period of the green signal for vehicles was analyzed. Headways, incidences of vehicles passing through after the end of the green signal, and red-light violations were examined. Additionally, a fuel consumption analysis and a case study of a road crash in Szczecin (Poland) are presented. Problems related to signal countdown timers working during traffic light failure are described. The research shows different influences of signal countdown timers at various intersections. It was observed that SCTs increase the number of red-light violations and during the red-amber signal. On the other hand, the number of entries during the amber signal with SCTs is lower. A literature review also indicated that the use of SCT causes a reduction of start-up time (positive impact) and increases vehicle speed (negative impact). The article concludes that SCTs do not always fulfill their role in improving road safety and control efficiency. Conclusions can address various stakeholders, including drivers, road authorities, and traffic engineers.
Increasing bicycle traffic causes the occurrence of related phenomena, which were not observed before. However, it can be observed that the cycling infrastructure of Warsaw is used in various ways, and some cyclists do not respect the law. The aim of this article is to examine the behaviour of cyclists in various road traffic situations. Empirical research was carried out for 15 objects located in Warsaw. Selected facilities were divided into 7 types of road infrastructure. The research was carried out by means of video recording with the use of a camera. Cyclists were classified by age, gender and type of bike used. As a result of the study, the number of correct and incorrect behaviours of cyclists was determined. It was found that the largest share of prohibited behaviours occurs in case of complicated solutions of cycling infrastructure and in case of its discontinuity. The behaviour of cyclists during the red signal display was also assessed. It was noted that this signal is better respected at road crossings than at tram crossings. Case studies have also been carried out and opportunities for improvement identified.