Albania is among the most dangerous places in Europe for drivers and pedestrians
TIRANA, Nov. 19 – Following a string of deadly traffic accidents, police have called on all those sharing Albanian roads to pay close attention to traffic laws, whether they are drivers or pedestrians.
Albania has a high accident rate mainly due to the lack of respect of rules, police said.
Traffic police say they are trying to exert pressure by increasing their presence, higher fines and educational tools for drivers, including on how to park. Many Albanian drivers simply park their cars on pedestrian sidewalks. A significant increase of the fines issued has been seen in recent days, according to police.
Police have also issued new regulations that allow for zero tolerance on drivers found drunk. They are to be arrested on the spot, according to the new regulation. Previously the arrest was the discretion of the officer on the scene.
But police also complains that courts are not harsh enough with the cases sent to them.
Ervin Hoxha, the chief of the road patrol police division, called on all state authorities, that there should be collective efforts from all institutions and the people to improve the situation in the country’s roads.
Albania is among the most dangerous places in Europe and the Balkans to be on the road, according to accident experts. The country has 10 to 11 traffic-related deaths in 10,000 people. Albania on average sees 2,800-3,ooo traffic-related accidents, with 350 dead on average per year and 1,800 wounded.
